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In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of the latter's international reputation and his highly compelling skills as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

He noted that the negotiations to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During tense negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.