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Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted that those negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake was not only Greece's future but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, the author asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.