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Within his freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.

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

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.

He explained how the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's future but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.