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In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He wrote how those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He also claimed how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.