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In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

In the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick economist Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own motives which involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He explained how those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

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

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.