🔗 Share this article Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras Asserts Yanis Varoufakis Was ‘Unfit’ as Greek Finance Minister During Debt Crisis Within his recently unveiled memoir, named Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism as he reflects on that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil. A Controversial Appointment In the ex-PM's recollections, he chose the maverick academic Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly due to the latter's international reputation and Varoufakis's very persuasive abilities as a speaker. “He was, in reality, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras. Conflicting Agendas The former leader alleges how Varoufakis possessed a personal motives which involved promoting his books and testing out his own theories using the nation instead of truly advocating its financial survival. He explained how the talks to avoid insolvency were “not only a way to secure improved terms for Greece. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of Varoufakis's ideas.” Critical Talks Amid rollercoaster discussions, the country found itself dangerously close to exiting the single currency area. At stake lay not only Greece's future but also the severe austerity policies required in return for rescue loans by international creditors. Unsuccessful Alternatives Attempts to find funds from other sources, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground. Helping Greece was equivalent to tossing cash in the trash-can, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting. Referendum and U-Turn In July 2015, those excoriating conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw the EU into deeper existential crisis. Even though the vote was carried resoundingly by those who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then negotiate a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher. Breaking Point Tsipras revealed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon. “He was the public image of the talks, the man who drew media attention, who graced the covers of publications globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.” When the minister outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?” Enduring Rebuke In the book, the author concludes how Varoufakis demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.” Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, while helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit. This account of events has provoked fury and shock among certain groups, while the former minister has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.