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Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal agenda that included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

He explained that the discussions to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Talks

Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both Greece's destiny and the severe cutbacks required in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks who were pushing for Grexit.

This account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.