🔗 Share this article Ex-PM Alexis Tsipras Asserts Yanis Varoufakis Was ‘Unsuitable’ for the role of Greek Treasury Chief Amid Financial Meltdown Within his recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's financial crisis. An Unconventional Choice According to Tsipras's account, he appointed that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly due to the latter's international reputation and his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker. “He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras. Conflicting Agendas The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed a personal agenda which involved advancing his books as well as testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival. He explained how those talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's economic theories.” Critical Talks Amid rollercoaster discussions, Greece found itself perilously close to exiting the eurozone. On the line lay not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies required in return for financial aid by international creditors. Failed Alternatives Efforts to find funds elsewhere, such as an urgent appeal to Russia to buy Greek bonds, were rejected. Assisting the indebted country was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow. Referendum and U-Turn In July 2015, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity. Even though the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed the cuts, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors that turned out to be tougher. Final Straw Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on. “He was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.” After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end questioning him: “Are you serious?” Enduring Rebuke In the book, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unfit for an agreement that required complex and sensitive management.” He further claimed that his 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 along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.