In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models on the nation instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay both Greece's future and the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
