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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.