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In a recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's account, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras noted that those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.