Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Conflicting Priorities
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how those talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
Critical Negotiations
Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
