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In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

He explained how the talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was not only the country's future and the severe austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

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

When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”

He further wrote how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.