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Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the chaotic period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of his global profile along with his very persuasive skills as a public orator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader claims how Varoufakis had his own agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those discussions to avoid insolvency became “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only the country's future but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure funds from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, those punitive conditions were put to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

After the minister proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

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