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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he selected the maverick economist Varoufakis as his finance minister primarily due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own game theories using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of events has provoked fury and shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.