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In a newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of his global profile and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives that included advancing his publications and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's future and those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful 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 reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.