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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's account, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation and his highly compelling abilities as a communicator.

“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his economic models using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also the severe austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.