In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his publications and testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
