🔗 Share this article Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras Asserts Yanis Varoufakis Proved ‘Inappropriate’ for the role of Greek Finance Minister During Financial Meltdown Within his freshly published autobiography, called Ithaki, the former prime minister Tsipras spares no criticism while he revisits the turbulent period of Greece's debt drama. An Unconventional Appointment As per Tsipras's version, Tsipras selected that maverick economist Yanis Varoufakis to be his finance minister primarily because of the latter's global profile along with Varoufakis's highly compelling skills when it came to speaker. “In reality, he was, actually, more like a star and less of an economic expert,” recalled Tsipras. Conflicting Priorities Tsipras suggests how his finance chief had his own motives which included advancing Varoufakis's publications as well as experimenting with his own game theories using Greece rather than genuinely advocating its financial survival. Tsipras noted how the talks to prevent bankruptcy were “not only a method of achieving improved terms for Greece. They became an experiment, an historic chance to prove the validity of his theories.” Critical Negotiations During volatile discussions, the country came dangerously close to leaving the eurozone. At stake lay not only Greece's destiny but also those punishing austerity policies demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors. Unsuccessful Alternatives Efforts to secure financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected. Helping Greece would be equivalent to throwing money in the trash-can, Putin reportedly informed Tsipras in Moscow. Public Vote Followed by Reversal That summer, the excoriating conditions were put to a popular referendum, a move which plunged the EU into further crisis of identity. Even though the referendum was carried resoundingly by voters against austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then agree to a rescue deal from foreign lenders that proved to be more severe. Breaking Point Tsipras revealed how he started questioning Varoufakis quite early on. “Varoufakis was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.” When the minister outlined a contingency plan involving creating a parallel currency and distributing coupons to retirees, the leader knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Can you be serious?” Enduring Rebuke In the memoir, the author asserts that Varoufakis had proved himself to be “unsuitable for a deal demanding intricate and delicate handling.” He further claimed that Varoufakis's confrontational style left him increasingly isolated among peers, endangered the country, while helped hawks who were advocating Grexit. The account of history has provoked anger and stunned disbelief among certain groups, whereas the former minister has maintained a conspicuous quiet on the matter.