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Within his freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's recollections, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his international reputation and his highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He explained that those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's future and those severe austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”

He also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The account of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.