Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to Tsipras's account, he appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his economic models using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.
He noted how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”
He also wrote that his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.
This account of history has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
