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Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras chose the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had his own agenda that included advancing his books and experimenting with his game theories using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how the talks to prevent insolvency were “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was not only the country's future and the harsh cutbacks required in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into further crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive management.”

He further claimed how his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.