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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more of a star and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own motives which involved advancing his publications and testing out his theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the negotiations to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was both the country's destiny but also the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”

He also wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.