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In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as testing out his economic models on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.