Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing his books as well as testing out his game theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
He explained how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
He further claimed that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
