In a recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his global profile along with his highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
