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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

According to the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing his publications and experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He noted how the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

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

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.