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Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Choice

In Tsipras's account, he appointed that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests how his finance chief had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his own economic models using Greece rather than truly advocating its economic stability.

He explained that the discussions to stave off bankruptcy became “not just a way of achieving a better deal for the country. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the single currency area.

On the line lay both Greece's future but also those harsh austerity policies demanded in exchange for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Helping the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

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

Although the vote was carried decisively by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras claimed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the man who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he relished his new role.”

After the minister outlined a backup strategy involving creating a parallel currency as well as issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader knew that it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding intricate and delicate management.”

He also wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hawks that were pushing for Grexit.

The retelling of history has been met with anger and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.