Summary
Bitcoin has entered the political discourse in Germany with the event ‘Bitcoin im Bundestag.’ The objective was to nurture a better understanding of the unique opportunities Bitcoin has to offer. Privacy was paramount to kickstarting the event, and it was well-attended. Joana Cotar, the founder of the initiative, discusses the challenges and opportunities of putting Bitcoin on the agenda in the German parliament. She emphasizes the apolitical nature of Bitcoin and advocates for making Bitcoin legal tender, allowing for self-custody, promoting sustainable mining, and opposing the digital Euro.
Key Points
1. Bitcoin has entered the political discourse in Germany with the kickoff event ‘Bitcoin im Bundestag,’ where presentations were delivered in the German Parliament to nurture a better understanding of the unique opportunities Bitcoin has to offer.
2. Privacy was paramount at the event to ensure attending MPs and their staff could participate without fear of reprimands from their party leaders. The event was well-attended and successful, with more Bitcoin events in the Bundestag planned for the future.
3. Joana Cotar, founder of the initiative ‘Bitcoin im Bundestag,’ has put Bitcoin on the agenda in the German Parliament as a party-independent MP. However, her former affiliation with the right-wing AfD poses challenges, as guilt by association is a strong mechanism in German politics. Bitcoin is seen as apolitical, uncensorable, and free money, accessible to all, regardless of political affiliation.