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In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, he selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of his international reputation along with his highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

He explained how those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's future and the severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.