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Within his newly released autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama.

A Controversial Appointment

In Tsipras's account, Tsipras chose that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as the treasury head primarily due to his worldwide fame and his “extremely attractive” abilities as a communicator.

“In reality, he was, truthfully, more of a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras.

Conflicting Agendas

Tsipras suggests how Varoufakis had a personal motives which included advancing his books as well as testing out his economic models using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its economic stability.

He noted that the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area.

At stake lay both Greece's future but also the punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Failed Options

Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow.

Referendum and U-Turn

That summer, the punitive conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was won resoundingly by those who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors that turned out to be tougher.

Breaking Point

The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras concludes that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras further wrote that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.