Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as testing out his own theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
Critical Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.
At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.
Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
