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In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

He noted how the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's future and the punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

He also claimed how his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.