Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He also claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
