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In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to his international reputation along with his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own motives which included advancing his publications and testing out his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.