In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further wrote that his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
