🔗 Share this article Ex-PM Tsipras Asserts Varoufakis Was ‘Inappropriate’ for the role of Greek Treasury Chief Amid Debt Crisis Within his newly released personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- leader Tsipras does not hold back as he reflects on that turbulent era during Greece's economic turmoil. A Controversial Choice As per the ex-PM's recollections, Tsipras appointed the maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis as his treasury head largely due to his international reputation along with Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a communicator. “In reality, he was, actually, more of a personality and less of an economist,” stated the 51-year-old. Clashing Agendas Tsipras claims that his finance chief possessed a personal motives that included advancing his books and experimenting with his theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival. He wrote that the negotiations to avoid insolvency were “not just a way to secure improved terms for the country. They became a test, an historic chance to prove the truth of his ideas.” Critical Talks During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously on the brink of exiting the single currency area. At stake was both the country's destiny and those severe austerity policies required in exchange for financial aid by international creditors. Failed Options Attempts to secure financing elsewhere, including a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, went unanswered. Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, the Russian leader is reputed to have told his Greek counterpart during their meeting. Referendum Followed by Reversal In July 2015, the punitive bailout terms were put to a public vote, a move that plunged Europe into deeper existential crisis. Although the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister was forced but to ignore the result and agree to a bailout package from creditors which turned out to be even harsher. Breaking Point Tsipras revealed how he started questioning his finance minister relatively soon. “Varoufakis was the public image of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he relished his new role.” When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving establishing a secondary currency as well as issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader knew that it was game over and asked Varoufakis: “Is this for real?” Enduring Rebuke Within the memoir, Tsipras asserts how his former ally had proved himself “unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and sensitive handling.” He also wrote how Varoufakis's aggressive style left him increasingly isolated with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit. This account of events has provoked fury along with stunned disbelief among certain groups, while Varoufakis has so far kept a conspicuous quiet on the matter.