- Bitcoin advocates in Switzerland are pushing for a National Referendum to include Bitcoin in the Swiss National Bank’s asset reserves.
- Success requires gathering 100,000 signatures from Swiss citizens and could take up to five years.
- Switzerland could become the first Western country to embrace Bitcoin if the campaign succeeds.
Bitcoin advocates in Switzerland have embarked on a significant campaign to initiate a National Referendum, urging the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to include Bitcoin, the flagship digital asset, in its asset reserves. Spearheaded by Yves Bennaïm, the founder and chairman of 2B4CH, a nonprofit think tank, and backed by Luzius Meisser, the chairman of asset manager Bitcoin Suisse, this movement aims to bring about a constitutional amendment that would recognize Bitcoin as a valuable reserve asset.
The Campaign and its Objectives
Yves Bennaïm, leading the charge, has expressed the need to complete the organizational preparations for the committee and prepare the necessary documents required for submission to the State Chancellery. These initial steps are crucial to kickstart the process of the National Referendum.
The Path to the Referendum: Gathering 100,000 Signatures
The success of the referendum’s launch hinges on acquiring 100,000 valid signatures from Swiss citizens. Once this milestone is achieved, all Swiss nationals will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed constitutional amendment. However, this entire process, from signature collection to the actual voting, could potentially span over a period of up to five years.
Luzius Meisser’s Advocacy for Bitcoin
In the meantime, Luzius Meisser, the chairman of Bitcoin Suisse, will champion the cause of Bitcoin at the upcoming Swiss National Bank’s general assembly. Meisser is not new to advocating for Bitcoin, having previously proposed a similar action at the 2022 General Meeting. His proposition urged the bank to prioritize Bitcoin investments over German government bonds, estimating that Switzerland would have gained an additional 30 billion francs had the bank implemented this strategy.
2B4CH’s Bitcoin Initiative and Past Challenges
In 2021, 2B4CH initiated the Bitcoin Initiative, aiming to establish BTC as a reserve currency in the Swiss Constitution. However, the process encountered some obstacles, primarily due to timing and the need for open discussion. Yves Bennaïm clarified that the delay since the original 2021 announcement was not due to the 100,000 signature requirement. Instead, they wanted to engage in an open dialogue with the SNB, providing them with the opportunity to consider adopting Bitcoin before proceeding with the official procedure.
Switzerland’s Potential as a Leading Bitcoin-Adopting Nation
If the Bitcoin advocates succeed in their plan, Switzerland could become the first Western country to embrace Bitcoin as a flagship cryptocurrency. However, it is important to note that El Salvador, a Central American nation, has already made substantial investments in Bitcoin and recognized it as a legal tender. Nevertheless, Switzerland’s potential adoption of Bitcoin would mark a significant step forward for the cryptocurrency movement in the Western world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bitcoin advocates in Switzerland are actively working towards triggering a National Referendum that would urge the Swiss National Bank to include Bitcoin in its asset reserves. Spearheaded by Yves Bennaïm and supported by Luzius Meisser, this campaign aims to bring about a constitutional amendment recognizing Bitcoin as a valuable reserve asset. With the potential to become the first Western nation to embrace Bitcoin, Switzerland’s journey towards cryptocurrency adoption is an important development in the global financial landscape.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advise from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above mentioned tokens or received any incentive from any company.
