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Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

He explained that the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

During tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake lay both the country's destiny and the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.