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In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, he appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” skills as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief had a personal motives that involved promoting his publications and experimenting with his own theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

He wrote how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

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

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”

He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.