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Within his newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's account, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his theories using the nation rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

He noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only Greece's destiny but also the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”

He further claimed that his aggressive approach made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.