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In a newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

In the ex-PM's account, he chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own motives that involved advancing his books as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only Greece's future and those harsh austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

This account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.