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In a freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his global profile and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a celebrity and less of an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how the discussions to prevent insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They were an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with fury and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.