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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's account, he chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.

He noted that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's destiny and the harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.