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In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to his global profile and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

He explained that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, the country came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake was not only the country's future but also those harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Options

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

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.