In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing his publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He also claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
