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In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his international reputation along with his highly compelling skills as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own theories using Greece rather than truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He explained that the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”

He also wrote that his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.