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Within his freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

According to Tsipras's version, he selected that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

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

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”

He also wrote how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.