In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's future but also the severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
