🔗 Share this article Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras States Varoufakis Proved ‘Unsuitable’ as Greece's Treasury Chief During Debt Crisis Within his recently unveiled personal account, called Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras does not hold back while he reflects on that turbulent period during Greece's economic turmoil. A Controversial Appointment As per the ex-PM's account, he chose that maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head largely due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a public orator. “He was, truthfully, more of a star rather than an economic expert,” wrote Tsipras. Conflicting Priorities The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which included advancing Varoufakis's books and experimenting with his own economic models on the nation instead of truly advocating its economic stability. He noted that the talks to stave off bankruptcy became “not only a way of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, an historic chance to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.” Critical Negotiations Amid volatile discussions, Greece found itself dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone. On the line was not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures required in return for rescue loans from international creditors. Failed Options Attempts to find funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered. Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart in Moscow. Public Vote Followed by U-Turn That summer, those punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity. Even though the vote was won resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be more severe. Breaking Point The ex-PM revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon. “Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who appeared on the covers of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.” When Varoufakis proposed a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?” Lasting Rebuke Within the book, Tsipras asserts that Varoufakis demonstrated himself “unsuitable for a deal that required complex and delicate management.” He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit. The account of events has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas Varoufakis has so far kept a deafening silence on the matter.