Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his international reputation and his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and the severe austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
