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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

He wrote that those negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was both Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

He also claimed how his confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.