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In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to Tsipras's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's future but also the severe cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”

He further claimed how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.