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In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

He noted how the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's future and those harsh austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.