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In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's recollections, he selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's future and the punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

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

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further wrote that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a deafening silence on the matter.