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In a newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's account, he selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his economic models using the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He explained how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy were “not only a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, the country found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was not only Greece's destiny and those severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of events has been met with anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.