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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his economic models on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote that the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay both the country's future and those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

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

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors which proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.