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Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's version, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to his global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to speaker.

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

Clashing Agendas

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own motives which included advancing his books and experimenting with his game theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake was both the country's destiny and those punishing austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.

Although the vote was won decisively by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from foreign lenders that turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

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

When the minister proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

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

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hardliners that were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has been met with fury and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.