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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to his international reputation and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to public orator.

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

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras alleges that his finance chief had a personal agenda that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his economic models on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted that those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's future but also the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that proved to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

The account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.