In a freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He wrote how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote that his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
