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In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of his global profile and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own motives that included promoting his publications and experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

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

At stake was both the country's destiny and those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.