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In a newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the former premier Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

As per the ex-PM's version, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

The former leader suggests that his finance chief had a personal motives that involved advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his economic models on Greece instead of genuinely fighting for the country's financial survival.

Tsipras wrote how the talks to avoid bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his ideas.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake was not only Greece's future and those severe austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be more severe.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, the author concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and delicate management.”

Tsipras also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.