Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted how those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
