Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his books and experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and the harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
