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In a newly released memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's account, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head largely due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for its financial survival.

He wrote that the discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving a better deal for Greece. They were an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.