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Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the chaotic period during Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's recollections, he chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into a further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence on the matter.