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In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

He wrote how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's future but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote that his confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.