Yanis Varoufakis, the outspoken economist who became prominent during Greece’s debt crisis, was not only self-centered but more focused on testing his game theories on the country than on winning its struggle to survive.
This is according to former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in his new memoir, “Ithaki.” A decade later, the once-radical left-wing leader is pulling no punches as he sets the record straight.
“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old, who had chosen the unconventional figure as his finance minister for his international profile and compelling public speaking skills.
“I wanted to signal tough negotiations, but I underestimated the human element. Very quickly, Varoufakis went from being an asset to a negative force. Not only did our potential allies dislike him, but so did his own colleagues.”
In an account that has quickly stirred reactions in Greece, Tsipras—who seems determined to make a political comeback two years after stepping down as leader of the Syriza party—stated that the Greek-Australian academic clearly had personal motives, including promoting his books.
According to Tsipras, the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just about securing a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a historic chance to validate his economic theories.”
During turbulent talks that pitted the two men against Germany’s late economic chief, Wolfgang Schäuble, and other fiscal hardliners, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.
At risk was not only the nation’s future but also the severe austerity measures demanded by international creditors in exchange for bailout loans—terms that Tsipras and his Syriza government had pledged to overturn.
Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered. Even Putin made it clear that Athens should reach an agreement with its EU partners.
The Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow that helping the indebted nation would be like throwing money in the trash.
“I wanted an honorable agreement within the eurozone,” Tsipras wrote, “but we also didn’t hide that we sought radical change in Europe—to halt the imposition of neoliberal economic absurdity, not just in Greece but across the continent.”
In July 2015, to German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s shock, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further existential turmoil.
Although voters overwhelmingly rejected austerity, Tsipras had little choice but to disregard the result and negotiate a bailout with foreign lenders that turned out to be even stricter. He argued, however, that the referendum had at least prevented national humiliation. His intention, he insisted, was never for Greece to leave the euro.
Varoufakis, who had clashed fiercely with colleagues in Eurogroup meetings before the referendum, later resigned. The two politicians tried to maintain friendly relations, at least publicly.
But in the book—named after the island where Tsipras declared in 2018 that Greece had emerged from its decade-long crisis—it is his former ally, now leader of the leftist MeRA 25 party, whom he criticizes most sharply.
In what may be remembered as one of the most severe character attacks in modern Greek history, the ex-prime minister claimed that Varoufakis’s confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated, endangered Greece, and aided hardliners like Schäuble, who were openly advocating for Grexit.
“Varoufakis proved unsuited for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling,” Tsipras stated, adding that he had begun to doubt his finance minister early on.He was the public face of negotiations, a man who drew media attention and appeared on magazine covers worldwide. He seemed to relish his new role.
When Varoufakis proposed a backup plan involving a parallel currency and vouchers for pensioners—intended to pressure creditors into accepting Greek terms—Tsipras knew it was the end. He asked Varoufakis, “Are you serious?”
Before the much-anticipated release of his book, the politician had announced it was time for his side of the story to be told.
In a detailed volume that covers everything from the secret meetings that led to his contentious alliance with a populist right-wing leader to the historic agreement resolving the long-standing dispute over Macedonia’s name, he delivers on that promise.
However, this version of events has been met with anger and shock. And from Varoufakis, who has since gained global recognition as a bestselling author, there has been only silence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Alexis Tsiprass criticism of Yanis Varoufakis designed to be clear and natural
Basic Factual Questions
1 Who are Alexis Tsipras and Yanis Varoufakis
Alexis Tsipras was the Prime Minister of Greece during the 2015 debt crisis Yanis Varoufakis was his finance minister for a brief but turbulent period that same year
2 What is the main criticism Tsipras has made against Varoufakis
In his memoir Tsipras harshly criticizes Varoufakis accusing him of being more interested in being an international celebrity and a rock star than in the difficult practical work of negotiating Greeces bailout
3 Why is Tsipras talking about this now
He is promoting his new memoir where he reflects on his time in office and shares his personal perspective on the key events and people involved in the 2015 Greek financial crisis
4 When did they work together
They were in the same government for about six months from January to July 2015 Varoufakis resigned as finance minister shortly after Tsipras agreed to a new bailout deal that Varoufakis strongly opposed
Deeper Analytical Questions
5 What was the core disagreement between them during the crisis
The core disagreement was over strategy Varoufakis advocated for a much more confrontational approach with Greeces creditors even suggesting a possible exit from the euro Tsipras ultimately chose a path of negotiation and compromise to keep Greece in the Eurozone a decision Varoufakis saw as a surrender
6 How has Varoufakis responded to these criticisms
Varoufakis has consistently defended his actions He argues that Tsiprass government was elected on an antiausterity platform but then capitulated to the creditors demands betraying the voters mandate He sees his own stance as one of principle
7 Why does Tsipras calling Varoufakis a celebrity matter
The celebrity label is a powerful political attack It implies that Varoufakis was motivated by personal fame and media attention rather than the sober responsibility of governing and protecting the Greek people during a national emergency
