In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own agenda which included promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's future but also the punishing austerity policies required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
