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In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's version, he appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily due to his international reputation along with his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras explained how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

At stake was not only the country's future but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

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

Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt 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 was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.