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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly due to his global profile and his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only Greece's future but also those severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.