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Within his newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges that his finance chief had his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

He noted that the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay both the country's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also wrote that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.