In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his own economic models using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
He explained how the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both the country's destiny and those punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
He also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.
The retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
