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Within his newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a communicator.

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

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved advancing his publications and testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how the talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.