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Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote that those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's future and the punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.