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Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that those talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay both the country's destiny but also those harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

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

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.