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In a newly released memoir, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines the chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Appointment

In the ex-PM's account, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister largely because of the latter's global profile along with his highly compelling skills as a communicator.

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

Clashing Priorities

Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own motives which involved promoting his publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability.

He noted how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's ideas.”

Critical Negotiations

During rollercoaster negotiations, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone.

On the line lay not only the country's future and those severe austerity measures required in return for financial aid by international creditors.

Unsuccessful Options

Attempts to find funds from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, were rejected.

Helping Greece was tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by U-Turn

That summer, the excoriating conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity.

Although the vote was carried decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and negotiate a bailout package with foreign lenders which turned out to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he started questioning his finance minister quite early on.

“He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

Within the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.”

He also claimed how Varoufakis's confrontational approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hardliners who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

This account of history has provoked fury and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far maintained a deafening silence on the matter.