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In a recently unveiled memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits the chaotic era of Greece's debt drama.

An Unconventional Choice

In the ex-PM's version, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely due to his worldwide fame and his highly compelling abilities when it came to communicator.

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

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda that included advancing his publications and testing out his own game theories on Greece instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He explained that those negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During rollercoaster discussions, the country came perilously close to leaving the eurozone.

At stake lay not only the country's future and the severe austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, including an urgent plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras in Moscow.

Referendum and Reversal

That summer, those excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Even though the vote was won decisively by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with foreign lenders that proved to be tougher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed that he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the figure who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

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

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked fury along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.