Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's future but also those punishing austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
