Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further claimed that his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
