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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

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

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his economic models on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

He wrote how those talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's future and the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras 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 magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.