🔗 Share this article Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras Asserts Yanis Varoufakis Proved ‘Unfit’ as Greek Treasury Chief Amid Debt Crisis In a freshly published personal account, named Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent era of Greece's economic turmoil. A Controversial Choice According to the ex-PM's account, he appointed the maverick economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head primarily due to his worldwide fame and his very persuasive skills when it came to speaker. “He was, in reality, more of a personality and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old. Clashing Priorities The former leader alleges how his finance chief had a personal motives which involved advancing his publications and experimenting with his own theories using the nation instead of truly advocating the country's economic stability. Tsipras explained that the negotiations to prevent bankruptcy became “not just a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They were an experiment, an historic opportunity to prove the truth of Varoufakis's theories.” Critical Negotiations During rollercoaster negotiations, the country came perilously close to leaving the single currency area. On the line lay not only Greece's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders. Failed Alternatives Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate appeal to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, went unanswered. Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin reportedly informed his Greek counterpart in Moscow. Referendum Followed by U-Turn That summer, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move which plunged Europe into a further crisis of identity. Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed the cuts, Tsipras had little option to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal with foreign lenders which proved to be more severe. Final Straw Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon. “Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying the spotlight.” After the minister proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to pensioners, Tsipras knew it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Are you serious?” Enduring Rebuke In the book, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate handling.” Tsipras also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners that were pushing for Grexit. The account of history has been met with fury along with shock in some quarters, whereas the former minister has so far kept a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.