Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both Greece's future and the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan 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: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
