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In a freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

According to Tsipras's version, he selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests that Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

He noted how those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into further existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won resoundingly by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

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

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

When the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.