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Within his newly released autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic era during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

According to Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected the unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more like a personality and less of an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included advancing his books as well as testing out his own theories on the nation rather than truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained how those discussions to prevent insolvency were “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

During tense negotiations, the country came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was both the country's destiny and those severe austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.