In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile and his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's future and the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
