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In a newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits that chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's version, he selected the unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame and his very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.

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

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal agenda that included advancing his books and experimenting with his own theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line was both the country's future but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, a move which threw the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

After the minister outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He further claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and helped hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.