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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras selected the maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda which included advancing his publications and experimenting with his theories using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how the talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake was both the country's future but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into further existential crisis.

Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further claimed how his confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.