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In a newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims that his finance chief had a personal agenda which included promoting his books and testing out his own theories on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how those discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was both the country's future and the severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

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

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive management.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

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