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In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had a personal agenda which included promoting his books and testing out his own economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras noted how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also claimed that his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.