🔗 Share this article Ex-PM Alexis Tsipras States Yanis Varoufakis Was ‘Unsuitable’ for the role of Greece's Finance Minister Amid Debt Crisis Within his freshly published personal account, titled Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Tsipras pulls no punches while he reflects on the chaotic period of Greece's debt drama. A Controversial Choice As per the ex-PM's recollections, he chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be his finance minister largely because of his worldwide fame and Varoufakis's very persuasive skills as a public orator. “In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity and less of an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old. Conflicting Agendas Tsipras alleges that Varoufakis had a personal motives which included promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own theories on Greece instead of genuinely advocating the country's financial survival. Tsipras noted how the negotiations to avoid bankruptcy became “not only a way to secure a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.” High-Stakes Talks During tense discussions, the country came perilously close to exiting the eurozone. At stake lay both the country's future and those punishing cutbacks demanded in exchange for bailout funds by foreign lenders. Unsuccessful Options Attempts to secure funds elsewhere, such as a desperate plea to Russia to purchase Greek bonds, fell on stony ground. Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin reportedly told his Greek counterpart in Moscow. Referendum Followed by Reversal That summer, the punitive bailout terms were subjected to a public vote, a move which plunged the EU into a deeper crisis of identity. Although the vote was carried resoundingly by those against the cuts, Tsipras was forced to reject its outcome and agree to a rescue deal from creditors that turned out to be more severe. Breaking Point The ex-PM claimed how he started questioning his finance minister quite early on. “He was the face of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who graced the front pages of magazines the world over … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.” When the minister outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, the leader said he realised that it was the end and asked Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?” Enduring Rebuke In the book, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and sensitive management.” He also claimed that Varoufakis's aggressive style made him more and more alone among peers, put Greece at risk, while assisted hardliners who were advocating Grexit. The retelling of events has been met with anger and shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.