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Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to Tsipras's recollections, he chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras noted how those discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, Greece came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.