Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing his books and testing out his own economic models on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
On the line was not only the country's future and the punishing austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
