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Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that the talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote that his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.