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In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.