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In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

He explained how those talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.