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In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He noted how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was not only Greece's future and those severe cutbacks required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

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

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.