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In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.