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In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economist,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

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

Public Vote and U-Turn

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

Although the referendum was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from foreign lenders that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.