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Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his game theories using Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He wrote that the negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's future and those harsh cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed how his aggressive style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.