Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, he selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling skills as a communicator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own motives which included promoting his publications and experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He explained that those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both Greece's future but also the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Referendum Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.
