In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and the harsh austerity policies required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
