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In a newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

In the ex-PM's version, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

He noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those punishing cutbacks required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

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

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He further wrote that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.