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In a newly released personal account, titled Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

As per the ex-PM's account, he chose that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely because of his global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to public orator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing his publications as well as testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He explained that those discussions to avoid insolvency were “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

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

At stake was both Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.