Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
