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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's account, he appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had his own motives which involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his theories using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He explained how those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

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

After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”

He also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.