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Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He wrote how the talks to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.