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In a recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely because of the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing his books as well as testing out his own economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

He noted how those discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was both the country's future but also the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.