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In a recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

He noted how those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both the country's future and the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras also claimed how his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.