Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.
A Controversial Appointment
According to Tsipras's version, he chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.
“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.
Clashing Agendas
The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.
Tsipras explained how the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”
Critical Negotiations
During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's future and the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.
Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.
Public Vote Followed by Reversal
That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be more severe.
Breaking Point
The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.
“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Rebuke
Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.
This retelling of history has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.
