The German government’s ongoing sale of its substantial Bitcoin holdings has ignited a wave of criticism from local politicians, who argue that the move is both economically short-sighted and strategically flawed.
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Since June 19, the German government has sold approximately 7,583 Bitcoin, valued at around $434.9 million at current prices, according to Cointelegraph. This aggressive liquidation strategy has seen significant amounts of Bitcoin transferred to major cryptocurrency exchanges like Coin base, Kraken, and Bitstamp. The latest transactions alone involved $172 million worth of Bitcoin.
Political Opposition
Joana Cotar, a prominent Bitcoin-friendly Member of Parliament, has been vocal in her opposition to the government’s actions. Cotar contends that the mass sell-off is “hasty” and “counterproductive,” suggesting that Bitcoin could serve as a strategic reserve currency to diversify Germany’s treasury assets and protect against inflation and currency devaluation.
In a letter to government officials, Cotar urged a halt to the sell-off and proposed the development of a comprehensive Bitcoin strategy. This strategy could include keeping Bitcoin in the state treasury, issuing Bitcoin bonds, and creating a regulatory environment conducive to Bitcoin-based innovation.
Economic Implications
The sell-off has not only drawn political ire but also impacted the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin’s price has experienced a notable decline, attributed in part to the German government’s sales and the ongoing reimbursement plan from the bankrupt Mt. Gox exc. Bitcoin is currently trading at $56,925 USD, according to Coinmarketcap, down 7% over the last week and 18% over the last month.
Future Prospects
Despite the backlash, the German government has not confirmed whether it plans to continue selling its remaining Bitcoin holdings, which are still substantial. The ongoing debate highlights the broader tension between traditional financial strategies and the emerging role of cryptocurrencies in national economies.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the German government will heed the calls for a more strategic approach to its Bitcoin assets or continue its current course, potentially reshaping the landscape of cryptocurrency regulation and adoption in Germany.
References:
https://cointelegraph.com/news/german-mp-urge-government-stop-selling-bitcoin