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Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how his finance chief had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that those talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's future but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

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

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.