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In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his game theories on Greece rather than truly advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how the talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was not only Greece's future and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

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

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.