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Within his freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He noted how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was both Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.