Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's destiny but also those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
