In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to Tsipras's account, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both the country's destiny and those punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
He further wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
