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Within his recently unveiled personal account, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his international reputation and his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books as well as testing out his own game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He wrote how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure a better deal for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay not only Greece's future and the severe austerity policies demanded in return for rescue loans from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”

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

The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.