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Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to his global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

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

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting his books as well as testing out his theories on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

Tsipras wrote that the talks to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Talks

Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were put to a public vote, an action which threw Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He further wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.