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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

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

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved advancing his books and experimenting with his economic models using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras explained how the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake was both Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

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

Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.