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Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay both Greece's destiny and those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.