In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, he chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
