Within his freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.
“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal motives which included advancing his publications and testing out his own game theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He noted that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only Greece's destiny and those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Options
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Criticism
In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”
He further claimed how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
