Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within 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 that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
