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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected that maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly because of his global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own economic models on Greece rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

He explained that those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake was not only Greece's destiny and the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

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

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.