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In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.

He explained how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid volatile discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those severe cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

He further claimed how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.