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Within his newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his international reputation and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his game theories on Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras noted that the talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both the country's future but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.