Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was both the country's destiny and the harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote and Reversal
That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”
He further claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
