Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Choice
As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included advancing his books as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
