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In a recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He noted that the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both the country's future but also those severe austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

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 publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also wrote how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.