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Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's account, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.

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

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had a personal agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

He explained how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster 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 cutbacks required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

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

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.