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Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

Tsipras wrote that the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.