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In a freshly published memoir, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which involved advancing his books and testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its economic stability.

He wrote how those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.