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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head primarily because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras noted that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's destiny and those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.