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In a freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a communicator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He explained that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's future and those severe austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This account of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.