Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives which involved promoting his books and testing out his game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He noted how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's future and the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
