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In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

In the ex-PM's account, he selected the maverick academic Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a personality rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda which involved advancing his publications as well as testing out his theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake lay not only Greece's future and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote that his aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.