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Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only the country's future but also the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

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

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.