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In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his own economic models using the nation rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He noted how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's future but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.

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

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.