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Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his own economic models on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted that those negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.