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Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims that his finance chief had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He noted how those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

During volatile discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake was both the country's future and the punishing cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate handling.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of events has provoked fury along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.