Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras claims how his finance chief had his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
