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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.

Tsipras explained that the talks to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.