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Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his global profile and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

At stake was not only the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.