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In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's version, he chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

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

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He wrote how those discussions to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's future and the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He further wrote how his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.