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In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's account, he appointed the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.

“He was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

He noted how those negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.