In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's account, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained that the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
This account of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
