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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

He noted that the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.