Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.
He wrote that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
At stake was not only Greece's future but also those severe cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.
Unsuccessful Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
