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Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

In the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills as a public orator.

“He was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras alleges how his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included promoting Varoufakis's books as well as experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras explained that those negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a method of achieving a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area.

At stake lay both Greece's future and those severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

In July 2015, those harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal with creditors that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included establishing a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, while the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.