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In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

He wrote that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay both the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.