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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he selected that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

“He was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

He wrote how those talks to stave off insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both the country's future but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

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

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

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

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also claimed how his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.