Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, he chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He explained that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
