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Within his recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's version, Tsipras appointed that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his treasury head mainly because of his international reputation and his very persuasive skills as a speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more of a personality and less of an economist,” wrote Tsipras.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader alleges that Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own game theories using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

Tsipras wrote how those discussions to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's destiny and those severe cutbacks demanded in exchange for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

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

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He also wrote that his confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.