Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
He explained that those discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both the country's future and the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”
He further wrote how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
