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In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's account, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to his international reputation and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's destiny but also those severe austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

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

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This account of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.