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Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of his global profile along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved promoting his publications as well as testing out his own theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

He noted how the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

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

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.