Ex-PM Tsipras States Varoufakis Was ‘Inappropriate’ as Greek Finance Minister Amid Financial Meltdown

In a freshly published autobiography, titled Ithaki, the ex- premier Tsipras does not hold back as he revisits that chaotic period during Greece's economic turmoil.

An Unconventional Choice

As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras chose that unorthodox economist Varoufakis to be the treasury head mainly because of his global profile along with his “extremely attractive” skills when it came to communicator.

“He was, truthfully, more like a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.

Conflicting Priorities

Tsipras claims how his finance chief had his own motives which involved promoting Varoufakis's publications as well as testing out his game theories on the nation instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.

He wrote that those talks to prevent insolvency became “not just a method to secure improved terms for Greece. They were a test, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his economic theories.”

Critical Negotiations

Amid volatile negotiations, Greece came dangerously on the brink of exiting the eurozone.

At stake lay not only Greece's destiny and the punishing austerity measures required in exchange for financial aid from foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as a desperate plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek bonds, were rejected.

Helping the indebted country would be equivalent to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Referendum Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into further crisis of identity.

Although the referendum was won decisively by those against the cuts, the prime minister had little option but to ignore the result then agree to a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be tougher.

Final Straw

The ex-PM claimed that he began to doubt his finance minister quite early on.

“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the front pages of magazines globally … he gave the impression he relished the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a backup strategy that included creating a secondary currency and issuing vouchers to retirees, Tsipras knew it was game over questioning Varoufakis: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Criticism

Within the memoir, the author asserts how Varoufakis had proved himself “unfit for a deal that required intricate and sensitive handling.”

Tsipras also claimed that his confrontational style left him more and more alone with colleagues, put Greece at risk, and helped hardliners who were pushing for Grexit.

The account of history has provoked anger along with shock among certain groups, whereas the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.

Kathleen Dickson
Kathleen Dickson

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and live event coverage.