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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of his international reputation along with his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras explained that the discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was both the country's future and the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

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

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”

He further wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.