Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
He explained how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was both Greece's future and those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
