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In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

“He was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's future and the punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He also wrote that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.