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In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

In the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had his own motives that included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

He wrote how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only Greece's future but also those severe cutbacks required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.