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Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief had his own motives which involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras noted that those discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's future but also those punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.