Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included promoting his books as well as testing out his game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those severe austerity measures required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
