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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, he appointed the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had a personal motives which included advancing his publications and experimenting with his theories on the nation instead of truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's destiny and the severe cutbacks required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and sensitive management.”

He also claimed how his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.