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In a freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted that those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with creditors which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.