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Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Choice

As per Tsipras's version, he selected that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to the latter's international reputation along with his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality rather than an economist,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

The former leader claims that his finance chief possessed his own motives which included promoting his books and testing out his economic models using Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's economic stability.

He explained how the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

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

On the line was both the country's destiny and the punishing austerity measures required in return for rescue loans by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Helping Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote and U-Turn

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

Although the vote was won decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Final Straw

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

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of publications the world over … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”

After Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.”

Tsipras further claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hawks who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

This retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.