Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was not only the country's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
