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Within his freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories using Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras noted that the discussions to avoid insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense negotiations, Greece came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's future but also the punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.