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In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his international reputation along with his highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved advancing his books and testing out his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”

He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.