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In a newly released autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's financial crisis.

A Controversial Choice

In the ex-PM's version, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister mainly because of the latter's global profile and his highly compelling skills when it came to communicator.

“In reality, he was, actually, more like a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included advancing Varoufakis's books as well as testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than truly fighting for its economic stability.

He noted that those negotiations to avoid bankruptcy were “not just a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During tense discussions, the country found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.

On the line was not only Greece's destiny and the harsh cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country was tantamount to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action that threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed how he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the covers of publications the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, Tsipras concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hawks that were advocating Grexit.

This account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.