Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's future and the harsh austerity policies required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
