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In a newly released personal account, named Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was both the country's destiny and those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

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

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.