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In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

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

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had his own agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

Critical Talks

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.