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Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained that those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's future and the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.