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In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he revisits the turbulent era during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

According to the ex-PM's version, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to his international reputation and his very persuasive skills as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more like a star rather than an economist,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis had a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's publications and experimenting with his theories on the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival.

He explained that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay both Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the memoir, the author asserts that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He further wrote that his aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

The retelling of history has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.