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In a recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved promoting his publications and testing out his own game theories using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those severe cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.