In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Appointment
In Tsipras's version, he appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.
Tsipras noted how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.
“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”
He further wrote that his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
