In a recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his publications and testing out his economic models using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He explained how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line was both Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”
He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
