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Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

He noted that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay both Greece's future and those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.