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In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back while he revisits that turbulent period of Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's version, he appointed that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis as the finance minister mainly because of his worldwide fame along with his very persuasive skills as a public orator.

“He was, actually, more like a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis possessed his own agenda that involved advancing his books and testing out his own economic models on the nation rather than genuinely fighting for its economic stability.

He explained how those talks to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

High-Stakes Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

At stake was both Greece's future but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground.

Helping Greece would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote and U-Turn

In July 2015, the harsh bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, an action which plunged the EU into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to ignore the result then agree to a bailout package from creditors that proved to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who drew publicity, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”

When the minister proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to pensioners, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

He also wrote how his confrontational approach left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence on the matter.