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In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed his own motives that included advancing his publications and testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only the country's destiny and the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”

He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

This account of history has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.