The majority of government officials, especially those who are involved in the tough negotiations with Greece’s creditors, believe that the time has come for Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis to leave talks. They point to negativity surrounding Varoufakis with the 54-year-old groovy rock star Marxist turning into a liability for the government. The economist who blitzkrieged onto the political scene without being a politician may have the know-how but he doesn’t have the diplomatic skill or grey suit required for a compromise solution.

The economist was handpicked by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to join the party’s finance team, but he never had the chemistry to join the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) that he joined out of nowhere. He was useful at the start of the government’s term thanks to his “charisma” that drew attention to Greece’s plight. From drawcard he turned into a “ticking time bomb.”

There is concern that, despite being part of a delegation, Varoufakis continues to act on a personal level. His words and actions are not those of a seasoned politician, prefering instead to be the academic willing to torpedo negotiations with theories and principles.

Past interviews where the outspoken economist had stated he would not enter politics as he would disagree with his party of choice are turning out to be prophetic. He is blamed for putting his signature on the February 20 agreement that did not result in a tranche for Greece. His constant talk of a “split” in negotiations are eyed with suspicion. Within his party, there is frustration that “all he concerns himself with is the communicative promotion of himself” with tweets, social media spats and general cockiness.

His scathing criticism of others in press statements have not helped the actual talks. This was signified at the April 24 Eurogroup where he was reportedly attacked, so much so that he did not attend the dinner after talks. His excuse was that he considers such social gatherings as “boring”, something that further stigmatized the Greek side.

The Greek side has refuted reports that Eurogroup Chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem had asked Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to remove Varoufakis as head of the negotiations, replacing him with Euclid Tsakalotos.

The recent attack against Varoufakis by anti-state hoodlums at Exarheia while he was dining with his wife on Tuesday is also viewed with suspicion as yet another installment in the serial starring Varoufakis. “Why are you shouting at me? Have you understood how the system works?” Varoufakis asked his attackers when he decided to talk with them rather than retreat. “Have you understood that I am not part of the system and in around a week they will kick me out of the government?”

“Then if you know it’s dirty why don’t you do something to clean it?” reportedly responded one of the anti-state youths.

“It can’t be done. That’s how the system is, I tried, but I failed,” he said.