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Within his newly released memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines the turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's highly compelling skills as a speaker.

“In reality, he was, actually, more of a celebrity rather than an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Agendas

The former leader suggests that Varoufakis had his own agenda which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories using Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival.

Tsipras explained that the negotiations to avoid insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the validity of his theories.”

High-Stakes Talks

During volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line was both Greece's future and the severe austerity policies demanded in return for bailout funds from foreign lenders.

Failed Options

Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting the indebted country would be equivalent to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.

Public Vote Followed by U-Turn

That summer, those harsh bailout terms were subjected to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into deeper crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won decisively by voters against the cuts, Tsipras had little option to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package with creditors that turned out to be even harsher.

Breaking Point

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

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.”

When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for an agreement demanding complex and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras further wrote how Varoufakis's confrontational approach made him increasingly isolated among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of events has been met with fury along with shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.