Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained that those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into further existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He also claimed how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
