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In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a public orator.

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

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He noted how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's future and the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

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

Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.