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In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his international reputation and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.