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In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, he selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

He noted that those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

The account of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.