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Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's future and the severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”

He also wrote that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.