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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims how his finance chief had a personal agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.