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In a recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved advancing his books and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

He explained that the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

This account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.