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Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

He explained that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's future and the harsh austerity measures required in return for bailout funds from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

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

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.