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Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

According to the ex-PM's account, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of his global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved promoting his publications and testing out his own theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.

He explained how those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”

He further claimed how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.