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In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included advancing his books and testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's destiny but also the severe cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.