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Within his freshly published memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's version, he selected the unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be his treasury head largely due to his international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities when it came to communicator.

“He was, actually, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims that Varoufakis had his own agenda which included promoting his books and testing out his own theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.

He noted how those negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During volatile discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's future but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw Europe into a deeper existential crisis.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras was forced to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors which turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew publicity, who graced the covers of publications globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.