In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's version, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of his international reputation and his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the severe cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
