Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
As per Tsipras's recollections, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his publications and testing out his game theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into further existential crisis.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with 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 negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
