In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his global profile and his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
