El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has taken to Twitter to silence critics of his country’s embrace of Bitcoin (BTC). With a defiant tone, Bukele highlighted that El Salvador would have profited by 40% had it decided to sell its Bitcoin holdings today. This statement underscores the nation’s successful gamble on cryptocurrency, despite widespread skepticism.
Bitcoin’s Surge Validates El Salvador’s Bet
Bitcoin’s recent performance has been nothing short of remarkable, coming within 12% of its all-time high and experiencing a nearly 10% increase in just 24 hours. This surge has lent credibility to Bukele’s vision, as evidenced by the Nayib Bukele Portfolio Tracker. This online tool, which tracks El Salvador’s Bitcoin investments, suggests the country holds 2,848 Bitcoin, valued at $177 million in today’s market.
Bukele’s frustration with mainstream financial media is evident. During Bitcoin’s bear market in 2022, the Salvadoran leader points out, thousands of articles were written about the country’s supposed losses. Now, with Bitcoin’s price on the rise, these critics have fallen silent, a fact Bukele uses to highlight the biased nature of previous coverage.
IMF Warnings and National Strategy
Despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s warnings about the potential economic destabilization due to Bitcoin’s volatility, El Salvador remains steadfast. The country has not only refused to sell its BTC holdings but has doubled down on its crypto strategy, committing to buying 1 BTC per day following the collapse of FTX.
El Salvador’s stance on Bitcoin is clear: “1 BTC = 1 BTC.” This philosophy underscores the nation’s long-term commitment to cryptocurrency, viewing it as more than just a financial asset. Bukele’s re-election with 85% of the vote earlier this month reflects the populace’s overwhelming support for his leadership and policies, including the Bitcoin law.
Reducing Violence and Boosting Popularity
Bukele’s popularity isn’t solely due to his financial policies. His aggressive crackdown on local gang violence has led to a 90% reduction in the nation’s murder rate, garnering widespread approval from citizens. This multifaceted approach to governance, balancing economic innovation with social initiatives, has solidified his position as a transformative leader in El Salvador.
El Salvador’s bet on Bitcoin, led by President Nayib Bukele, has proven to be a strategic victory against critics and sceptics alike. The country’s substantial profits from its Bitcoin holdings serve as a testament to Bukele’s visionary approach to finance and governance. As El Salvador continues to navigate the volatile cryptocurrency market, its journey offers valuable insights into the potential of digital currencies to impact national economies positively.