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In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's recollections, he chose the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to the latter's international reputation along with his “extremely attractive” skills as a communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims that his finance chief had his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that those talks to stave off insolvency were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity measures required in return for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

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

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

He also wrote that his aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.