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Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to Tsipras's recollections, he chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and his very persuasive skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

Tsipras explained how the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

Amid volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

He also wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.