In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his economic models on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
