El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, has made headlines with his high-risk bet on Bitcoin, which saw the country spending over $120m to buy the digital currency. Critics have voiced concerns over the economic impact of this move, as it represents a significant investment of public funds in a volatile asset.
Debating the Economic Impact
While the recent rise in Bitcoin’s value has led to celebrations from Bukele’s camp, experts warn that it’s premature to deem this as a success. The heavy investment in Bitcoin, including the development of infrastructure and promotional efforts, has raised questions about the actual benefits to the population in a country struggling with poverty and food insecurity.
The Case of El Salvador: A Cautionary Tale
The lack of transparency regarding the government’s Bitcoin accounting has drawn criticism, raising doubts about the true impact of the digital currency adoption. The case of El Salvador serves as a cautionary tale in the global debate on digital currency adoption, prompting discussions on the potential risks and costs involved.
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