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In a newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, in reality, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also the severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also wrote that his confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.