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In a newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.

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

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He explained how the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's future and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.