In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own theories on Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those talks to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
At stake was both Greece's future and those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote and U-Turn
That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
