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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included promoting his publications and testing out his game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how those discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

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

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

The account of history has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.