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Within his freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's recollections, he selected that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his global profile along with his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis had his own agenda which included advancing his publications and experimenting with his economic models on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He explained that those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

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

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.