Vitalik Buterin Argues Against Supporting Political Candidates Based Only On ‘Pro-Crypto’ Stances

Vitalik Buterin opposes supporting candidates based solely on “pro-crypto” stances.

By doing so, he said, “you help create an incentive bias that will make politicians understand that all they have to do to get your support is support ‘crypto’.”

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin shared his thoughts in a blog post on Wednesday, arguing against supporting candidates based solely on whether they are “pro-crypto.”

Buterin, who is seen as Ethereum’s intellectual leader, has argued against supporting candidates based solely on their crypto stance. “By giving the public the impression that you support ‘pro-crypto’ candidates solely because they are ‘pro-crypto,’ you help create an incentive gradient that makes politicians understand that all they have to do to get your support is support ‘crypto,’” he wrote.

This post comes at a time when crypto regulation is starting to take shape around the world with the adoption of MiCA in the European Union, stablecoin regulation efforts in the United Kingdom, legislation in the United States, and the SEC’s efforts to become the primary regulator of cryptocurrencies.

Digital assets have become a hot political topic recently as crypto industry leaders in the United States have begun openly supporting candidates perceived to be pro-crypto in an effort to create a more welcoming regulatory environment following the 2024 presidential election.

“Whether they support a ban on encrypted messaging, are a power-hungry narcissist, or are pushing bills that will make it harder for your Chinese or Indian friends to attend the next crypto conference, all politicians have to do is make it easier for you to do business,” Buterin said.

Read more: Vitalik Buterin Shares His Thoughts on Ethereum’s Strengths and Weaknesses, Blockchain’s ‘Strengthening’