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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, named Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, he selected that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of his global profile and his highly compelling skills as a communicator.

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

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own motives that included promoting his books as well as experimenting with his economic models using Greece instead of truly fighting for its economic stability.

Tsipras wrote that those discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During tense discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into further existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

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