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In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges how his finance chief had a personal agenda which included advancing his publications and experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's future but also those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”

He further wrote how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.