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In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.

“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He noted that those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both the country's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.