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Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“He was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda that involved promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his economic models using the nation rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.

He explained that the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both the country's future and those severe austerity measures demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, an action that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, Tsipras concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate management.”

He further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.