In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that his finance chief had a personal agenda that included promoting his books and testing out his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future and the punishing cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
