In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's future but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
