Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation and his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
