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Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras noted how the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was both the country's future and those punishing austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.