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In a recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's version, he chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.

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

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own agenda which included promoting his books and testing out his theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

He explained how the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's future and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.