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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's recollections, he chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted that the talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

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

At stake lay both Greece's destiny and those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

The account of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.