In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
Critical Talks
During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
At stake lay both the country's future and the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”
He further wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
