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In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.

“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved advancing his publications and testing out his game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

He wrote how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

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

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.