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In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, he selected the maverick economist Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his global profile and his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker.

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

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda which included advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

He explained how those talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake was not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.