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In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal agenda that included promoting his publications as well as testing out his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.