In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
An Unconventional Appointment
According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.
He wrote that those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”
Critical Talks
During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's future and the severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.
Although the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”
Enduring Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”
Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
The account of history has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.
