Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to his international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained how those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and the severe cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
