Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and the punishing cutbacks required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
