Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
