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Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his international reputation and his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

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

On the line was not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.