Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda that involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
He wrote how the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
