In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
He wrote how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, Greece came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's future and those severe austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
