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Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own motives which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how the talks to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also the harsh austerity policies required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a further existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.