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Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda which involved advancing his books and experimenting with his own game theories on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

Tsipras noted how the talks to avoid insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's future but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”

He further wrote that his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This account of history has been met with fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.