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In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included promoting his publications and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's future but also those severe austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.