In a newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.
“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.
He noted how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only Greece's future and the punishing austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He further claimed how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.
This account of events has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.