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Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely because of the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal motives which involved advancing his books and experimenting with his own theories on Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He wrote that those talks to prevent insolvency became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid rollercoaster negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only Greece's future and the harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Options

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

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“He was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Criticism

In the memoir, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”

He also wrote that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.