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In a recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, he appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to his global profile along with his highly compelling abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.

Tsipras wrote that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only the country's future but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”

He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.