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In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He wrote that the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's destiny and those severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.