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In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.

He explained how those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's future and the harsh austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”

He also wrote how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.