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In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package 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 face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”

He also wrote that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.