Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained that those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's future and those severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
