In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's future and the severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further wrote that his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
