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Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

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

“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras noted how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.