Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a public orator.
“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had his own motives which involved promoting his books as well as testing out his economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.
He explained that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's destiny and those harsh austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum Followed by Reversal
In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.
“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”
Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This account of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
