In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved promoting his books and experimenting with his economic models on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
