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In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile and his “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives that included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.