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Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

According to Tsipras's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to the latter's international reputation and his “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote that those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both the country's destiny and those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”

He further claimed that his confrontational approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.