Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's future and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
