Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, he chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included promoting his books as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
