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In a recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that turbulent era of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's version, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister mainly due to the latter's worldwide fame along with his very persuasive abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own agenda which included promoting his publications as well as testing out his own theories using Greece rather than genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras noted how the discussions to prevent insolvency became “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his ideas.”

Critical Talks

During volatile discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny and those punishing austerity measures required in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

That summer, those harsh bailout terms were put to a popular referendum, an action that threw Europe into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and delicate management.”

He also claimed that his aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.