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In a freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's highly compelling abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own agenda that included promoting his publications and experimenting with his theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how the negotiations to stave off insolvency became “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense discussions, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's future but also the punishing cutbacks required in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, an action which threw the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts that his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.