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In a newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

He wrote how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and those severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

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