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Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

He noted how the talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.