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In a newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.

He explained that those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake was both Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.