In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's destiny and those harsh cutbacks required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
