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Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.

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

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those talks to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.