In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included advancing his books and experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote how those talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
