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Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that his finance chief had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.