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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's account, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his economic models using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, the country came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

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

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

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

He further claimed that his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.