In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He explained that those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
