(Washington Insider Magazine) -El Salvador has become the first country in the world to introduce a cryptocurrency as legal tender, with Salvadorians now able to use bitcoin the country over to buy and sell goods and services. President Nayib Bukele has matched the announcement with a $225 million spending plan that includes $30 credit to every Salvadorian who takes up Chivo, which is the new e-wallet introduced by the government for purchases in bitcoin or USD.
A host of infrastructure has been introduced to accommodate the change including 200 bitcoin ATMs and a string of Chivo-branded kiosks where consumers can go to learn about bitcoin.
The move has been met with a great deal of economic skepticism. The currency’s volatility is one of the key reasons the International Monetary Fund has advised against the use of such mechanisms. Another reason is the token’s ability to bypass authorities and consequently aid illegal activities and illicit transactions.
The grey area of trade was one of the reasons Bukele was drawn to bitcoin’s introduction. Around 70% of the country’s workforce works in a sprawling underground, cash-based economy. The use of a flexible tool is intended to allow this section of the economy to thrive.
Whilst blockchains proponents often paint it as a key part of the libertarian future, many Salvadorian vendors have claimed the mandatory use of bitcoin is a restriction of economic freedom. The USD, which the country has used as national currency since 2001 is relatively stable and businesses can use it with confidence. Holding reserves in bitcoin is likely to be a much more inconsistent journey. The cryptocurrency’s value has fluctuated wildly for the last several years and is highly prone to speculation.
Such fluctuations may cause even greater damage in relation to reserves at a national level. The government is unlikely to have the policy tools or financial capability to respond appropriately should a speculative problem occur.
These concerns are shared by a majority of the Salvadorian population which polls show view the development with distrust and concern. A poll by UCA University showed that 80% have little or no confidence in bitcoin.