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In a newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his publications as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted that the talks to stave off insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.