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Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's account, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives which included advancing his books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.