Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
