Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.
A Controversial Appointment
In the ex-PM's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
At stake was both Greece's future and those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
