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Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

He wrote that those talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's future but also the severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

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

Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”

He further claimed that his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.