In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile and his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He wrote how the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece 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 excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
