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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills when it came to public orator.

“He was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his economic models on Greece instead of truly advocating its financial survival.

He noted how the discussions to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, Greece came perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also the severe austerity measures demanded in exchange for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and Reversal

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a parallel currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author asserts how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of events has provoked anger and stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.