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In a freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges how his finance chief had a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's destiny and the severe austerity measures required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.