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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own agenda which involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras noted how the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's future but also those punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.