In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He explained that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
