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In a freshly published memoir, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

According to the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to his international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which involved advancing his books and testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.

He noted how the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's future but also those harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

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

Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He further claimed that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.