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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's version, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.

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

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda which involved advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models using Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's future but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.