In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing his books and testing out his own theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
He wrote that the talks to avoid insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's future and those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”
Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.
The account of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.
