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In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of his global profile and his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda which involved promoting his publications and testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

He explained how those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was both Greece's destiny but also those harsh cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.