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Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own motives that included advancing his publications as well as testing out his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

He wrote how the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.