In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.
A Controversial Choice
In the ex-PM's version, he selected that maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.
“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras wrote that those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.
On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.
Failed Alternatives
Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.
Even though the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.
Final Straw
The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Rebuke
Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”
He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.
