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Within his freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included promoting his publications and experimenting with his own game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how those discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's future and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

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

“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”

He also claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.