🔗 Share this article Former Prime Minister Tsipras Claims Varoufakis Was ‘Inappropriate’ as Greece's Treasury Chief Amid Debt Crisis In a freshly published autobiography, named Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras pulls no punches as he examines that chaotic era during Greece's economic turmoil. An Unconventional Appointment As per Tsipras's account, he selected that unorthodox academic Varoufakis as the treasury head mainly due to his global profile along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities when it came to public orator. “He was, actually, more like a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old. Conflicting Priorities Tsipras suggests that his finance chief had his own motives that included advancing his publications as well as experimenting with his own economic models on Greece instead of genuinely advocating its financial survival. He explained how the discussions to stave off insolvency were “not only a way to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of Varoufakis's theories.” High-Stakes Talks Amid volatile negotiations, the country came perilously on the brink of leaving the single currency area. At stake was both the country's destiny but also the punishing austerity policies demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders. Unsuccessful Options Efforts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected. Assisting Greece was equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin is reputed to have told Tsipras during their meeting. Referendum and Reversal That summer, those punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move that threw the EU into a deeper existential crisis. Although the vote was won decisively by voters against austerity, the prime minister was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be tougher. Breaking Point The ex-PM revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon. “Varoufakis was the face of negotiation, the figure who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of publications the world over … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.” After the minister proposed a contingency plan that included creating a parallel currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?” Lasting Criticism In the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.” Tsipras also wrote how his aggressive approach left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, and assisted hardliners who were advocating a Greek exit from the euro. The account of events has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.