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Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to his global profile along with his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted that those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

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

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

This account of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.