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Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.

“He was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras explained that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay both the country's destiny and those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”

He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.