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In a newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his theories on the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

He noted how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's future and the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.

The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.