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In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

According to the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.

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

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

He explained how those negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line was not only Greece's future but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.