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In a recently unveiled autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras pulls no punches as he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that included promoting his books and testing out his economic models using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival.

He wrote how the talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay both Greece's future but also the harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

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

Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the harsh bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”

He further wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, and assisted hawks that were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of events has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.