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Within his newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per the ex-PM's recollections, he appointed the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily due to his international reputation and his very persuasive abilities as a public orator.

“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader claims how his finance chief had a personal agenda that involved promoting his publications and testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

He explained that those talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake was both Greece's future but also those severe austerity policies required in exchange for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.