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Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his economic models on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

Tsipras explained that the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake lay both Greece's future but also the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.