Within his freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those harsh cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
