2021: A Year of Crypto Showdowns
The crypto world had quite a ride in 2021, with discussions reaching fever pitch around the globe. Elected officials finally caught on to what all the hoopla was about. Somehow, we went from ‘what’s bitcoin?’ to heated debates and official resolutions in record time. It’s a bit like showing up to a party three hours late and trying to play catch-up—let’s dig into who took up the pro-crypto cape, and who donned the Grinch mask.
Santa’s Helpers: The Crypto Advocates
Leading the charge for all things cryptocurrency are some colorful characters. Let’s meet our crypto Santas!
Miami’s Mayor: Francis Suarez
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has thrown himself wholeheartedly into the crypto scene. Not only did he launch MiamiCoin, aiming to give residents Bitcoin dividends, but he also wants Miami to be the most progressive crypto-friendly city in the U.S. If only he could sprinkle a little crypto dust over the traffic issues too!
El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele
Then there’s Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, who made Bitcoin legal tender in June. While many citizens shook their heads in disbelief (and maybe a little fear for their savings), Bukele pressed on. He’s dreaming big with plans for a “Bitcoin City”—packing residential areas and shopping centers into one cryptocurrency-centric paradise.
Australian Senator: Andrew Bragg
Andrew Bragg from Australia isn’t shy about his passion for crypto either. He’s been pushing for reforms designed to put the down-under country on the crypto map, like new licenses for exchanges and tax discounts for eco-friendly miners. Sounds good, right? Now, if only he could tackle the price of avocado toast next!
The Grinch Brigade: The Critics
But every Santa needs a Grinch, and boy did 2021 deliver! Here are some of the loudest critics from the political sphere.
India’s Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to play the Grinch, calling for international cooperation to regulate cryptocurrencies. His November speech about potential money laundering and terror financing had some turning pale. The man even introduced a bill that attempted to outlaw “private cryptocurrencies”—definitely not a merry move!
Senator Elizabeth Warren
Across the Pacific, Elizabeth Warren went full Grinch through her negative remarks on cryptocurrencies being just a “fourth-rate alternative” to real money. She’s nicknamed the crypto-whisperer of doom in Washington, scaring investors with remarks in the Senate like a futuristic boogeyman of crypto.
China’s Xi Jinping
In a surprising twist, Xi Jinping wielded his ban hammer all over China’s crypto scene in 2021, sending ripples through the market. He might just be the Grinch of the year! While he praises blockchain, his crackdown on crypto mining and trading took many by surprise.
Rivalries and Dares: The New York Mayoral Showdown
As if the political landscape wasn’t thrilling enough, the race between Eric Adams and Francis Suarez over who can declare themselves the biggest crypto fan created a competitive spirit akin to high school prom queens. Adams, always looking to go one better, declared he would take his first three paychecks in Bitcoin. Will Adams upstage Suarez or will Miami remain the reigning crypto champion?
A Look Ahead: What’s Next for Crypto Politics?
The tug-of-war between pro-crypto politicians and the wary skeptics is far from over. With many upcoming elections and cryptocurrency’s role in democratic discourse heavily debated, we’ll see how this crypto fairy tale continues to unfold. Will new Sants emerge, or will more Grinches sabotage the crypto Christmas?
