Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's recollections, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future and the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
