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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

According to the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly due to the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal motives that included promoting his books and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those severe austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

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 drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He further wrote how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.