Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his global profile and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own motives which included advancing his books and experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.
He explained that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's future and those punishing austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
