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Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's account, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which included promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras explained how the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay both the country's future and the harsh austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM 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 front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.