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Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's recollections, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

He wrote how those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's future but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He further claimed how his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.