Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that included promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also the severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
