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In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

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

At stake lay not only the country's future but also those severe austerity measures required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.