In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
He noted how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny and the punishing austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
