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In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's version, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's economic stability.

He wrote how the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay both the country's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks demanded in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

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

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate management.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.