Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He explained that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
