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In a newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief had his own agenda that involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

He wrote that the talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.