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In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had a personal motives which included promoting his publications and testing out his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

He noted that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's future and the punishing cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.