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In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's account, he chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.