Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras explained how the negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
