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In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges how his finance chief had his own motives which involved promoting his publications and testing out his theories using Greece instead of truly advocating its economic stability.

He noted how those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.