In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained how those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
