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In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda which involved promoting his books and experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

He noted how those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's future and those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”

He also wrote how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.