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In a newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

He explained that the talks to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and those severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from creditors which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The account of events has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.