In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing his publications and experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He noted how those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's future and the harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
This account of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
