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Within his freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his economic models using Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's future and the severe austerity measures demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

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

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

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

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.