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In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

According to Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his global profile and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own economic models using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras explained how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.