Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
He wrote that those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.
Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Criticism
In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
