Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.
He noted how the discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
Critical Talks
During volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
