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In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras explained that those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, Greece came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase 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 informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

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

He also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.