Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims that his finance chief had his own motives which included advancing his publications as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted that those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only the country's destiny and those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”
Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
