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Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He explained that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

He also claimed that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.