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In a recently unveiled personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories on Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.

He explained that the talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was both the country's destiny and those punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.