Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
As per the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of his international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included promoting his books and testing out his theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
He noted how the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
