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Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also those severe austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.