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In a recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his own theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

He wrote how those talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was both the country's future but also the harsh austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks that were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.