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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive abilities as a communicator.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how the discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was both Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.