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In a recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Clashing Priorities

The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved promoting his books and experimenting with his game theories using Greece rather than truly advocating its financial survival.

He explained that those negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

Amid tense discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks required in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Failed Alternatives

Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, those excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, an action that threw the EU into a further existential crisis.

Even though the referendum was carried decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders which proved to be even harsher.

Final Straw

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

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

After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Are you serious?”

Enduring Criticism

In the memoir, the author concludes that Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive approach left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger along with stunned disbelief in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.