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Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his economic models using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.