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Within his recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had his own agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's future and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”

He further claimed how his confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.