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Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had a personal motives that involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his economic models using the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

He noted how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

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

After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.