Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his global profile along with his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own agenda that included promoting his books and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote how the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
