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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's account, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and his very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

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

On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

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

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

This account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.