Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
