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Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's account, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras noted that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was both the country's destiny but also the severe austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.