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In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives that involved advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's destiny but also the severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

He also wrote how his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.