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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's account, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.