Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He also wrote how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
