In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his global profile along with his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief had his own agenda which involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those discussions to prevent insolvency became “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.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
