In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only the country's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”
He further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
