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Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras explained how the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.