Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.
He noted that the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
