Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras States Varoufakis Proved ‘Inappropriate’ for the role of Greek Finance Minister Amid Financial Meltdown

In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that chaotic era of Greece's financial crisis.

An Unconventional Appointment

According to the ex-PM's account, he chose that unorthodox economist Yanis Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's worldwide fame and his highly compelling skills when it came to speaker.

“He was, truthfully, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled the 51-year-old.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how Varoufakis had a personal motives which involved advancing Varoufakis's books and testing out his game theories using Greece instead of truly fighting for the country's financial survival.

He explained how the negotiations to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They were a test, an historic opportunity to prove the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously close to leaving the single currency area.

On the line was not only the country's destiny but also those punishing austerity measures required in return for financial aid from international creditors.

Failed Alternatives

Attempts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered.

Assisting Greece would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

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

Although the vote was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a rescue deal with creditors which turned out to be even harsher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the public image of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.”

After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning him: “Is this for real?”

Enduring Criticism

Within the book, Tsipras asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement demanding intricate and delicate handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners that were pushing for Grexit.

This retelling of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.