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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed that maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's destiny and the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.