Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda which involved promoting his books and testing out his own theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
