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Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

According to the ex-PM's version, he selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”

Critical Talks

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

On the line was both Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

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

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

This account of events has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.