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In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges that his finance chief had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay both Greece's future and the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.