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Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

In Tsipras's account, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his treasury head primarily due to his worldwide fame along with his highly compelling abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He noted that those discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also those severe cutbacks demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, the author asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He further wrote how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.