🔗 Share this article Former Prime Minister Tsipras States Varoufakis Proved ‘Inappropriate’ as Greece's Treasury Chief Amid Debt Crisis In a newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras pulls no punches while he examines the chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil. An Unconventional Appointment According to Tsipras's version, he appointed that maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely because of his international reputation along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker. “In reality, he was, actually, more like a personality rather than an economic expert,” wrote the 51-year-old. Clashing Agendas The former leader alleges that his finance chief possessed his own agenda which included promoting his publications and experimenting with his economic models using the nation instead of genuinely fighting for its financial survival. Tsipras explained how the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.” High-Stakes Talks Amid tense discussions, Greece found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area. At stake lay both Greece's destiny but also those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders. Unsuccessful Options Attempts to secure funds from other sources, including an urgent appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered. Helping the indebted country was tantamount to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly told Tsipras in Moscow. Public Vote and U-Turn In July 2015, the excoriating bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged the EU into further crisis of identity. Although the vote was won resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from foreign lenders that turned out to be even harsher. Final Straw Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon. “He was the public image of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.” After Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency and issuing coupons to retirees, the leader said he realised it was the end and asked him: “Is this for real?” Enduring Criticism In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally had proved himself to be “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and sensitive management.” He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit. The account of events has provoked anger and shock among certain groups, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.