Bitcoin (BTC) has made significant strides in gaining global recognition and acceptance since its inception in 2008. Not only has it revolutionized the financial landscape, but it has also become a topic of interest for politicians worldwide. In this article, we will explore three candidates from different countries who are incorporating Bitcoin into their government plans.
Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and Republican candidate in the United States, has garnered significant attention as the second-most popular candidate among Republicans, only trailing behind Donald Trump in some polls. In February 2023, Ramaswamy declared his candidacy for the 2024 Presidential election. He has announced that his campaign is accepting Bitcoin donations and is working on a “comprehensive crypto policy framework.” At the Bitcoin Conference in May 2023, Ramaswamy expressed his belief that Bitcoin should not be regulated as a security, emphasizing that competition breeds innovation.
Javier Milei, an economist and Deputy on the Chamber of Deputies of the Argentine Nation, is the head of the libertarian movement La Libertad Avanza. Milei has gained significant popularity not only in Argentina but also worldwide. His advocacy for libertarianism and the Austrian economy ideas has struck a chord with many. One of the central elements of his agenda is the dollarization of the Argentine economy, with Bitcoin playing a potential role in this process. However, whether he will regulate or promote Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies if elected is still uncertain.
Indira Kempis, a Senator of the Republic in the LXV Legislature of the Congress of the Union for Mexico’s Movimiento Ciudadano party, has been vocal about the potential benefits of Bitcoin’s early adoption in Mexico. She announced her intention to become the first woman presidential candidate in Mexico in late August. Kempis has promoted the idea of a Bitcoin Law similar to El Salvador’s, which made Bitcoin legal tender in the country. As reported by Bitcoin Magazine, she has participated in various Bitcoin-related activities, highlighting its potential through her actions.
Apart from these three candidates, several politicians worldwide are also looking to incorporate Bitcoin into their agendas. Pierre Poilievre from Canada, John F. Kennedy Jr. from the United States, Johana Obando from Costa Rica, and Gabriel Silva from Panama are among those trying to push Bitcoin legislation or agendas in their respective countries. El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, is the most prominent politician in this field, with a specific law making Bitcoin legal tender in his country.
The global integration of Bitcoin into political agendas reflects the increasing recognition of its potential in transforming financial systems and economies. As more politicians embrace cryptocurrencies, the impact of Bitcoin on governance and policymaking may become even more significant. With ongoing discussions and developments in this space, it will be interesting to see how Bitcoin continues to shape the political landscape in the coming years.