Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, he selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included promoting his publications and experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and those severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
