Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He explained that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those harsh cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
