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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He wrote how the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's future and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He also claimed how his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.