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Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

He wrote how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny and the severe cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

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

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.