Polish Candidate Sławomir Mentzen Proposes Bitcoin Reserve for 2025 Election
Polish presidential candidate Sławomir Mentzen has pledged to establish a Bitcoin (BTC) reserve if he wins the 2025 election, aiming to enhance Poland's crypto-friendliness. This commitment reflects similar promises made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign.
On November 17, Mentzen responded to a query on X (formerly Twitter) from Lech Wilczynski, CEO of crypto exchange Swap.ly. Wilczynski shared a model policy for a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" created by the Satoshi Action Fund, urging its consideration. Mentzen confirmed his intention to create such a reserve, asserting that Poland should not delay implementing this proposal.
The draft policy proposes establishing a Bitcoin reserve as a hedge against economic instability, paralleling initiatives in the U.S. and other nations. Wilczynski emphasized prioritizing the Bitcoin reserve over passing legislation on crypto assets.
Mentzen, gaining support from libertarian and right-wing voters, has integrated crypto advocacy into his campaign. The Polish presidential elections are scheduled for May 2025, and Mentzen’s pro-crypto stance is expected to appeal to tech-savvy and financial reform-oriented voters.
Mentzen’s proposal aligns with similar initiatives globally. During his campaign, Trump promised to establish a “Strategic Bitcoin Stockpile” for the U.S. Earlier this year, Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced legislation to create a Bitcoin reserve in the U.S., targeting the acquisition of one million Bitcoin over five years. This proposal positions Bitcoin as a safeguard against national debt, with plans to maintain the reserve for at least two decades.
El Salvador set a precedent by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. President Nayib Bukele’s government regularly accumulates Bitcoin, currently holding 5,748.8 BTC. Bhutan has also been quietly mining Bitcoin for years, reportedly holding approximately $780 million in digital assets.
Mentzen’s pledge highlights the growing interest in Bitcoin as a strategic financial asset. As more nations explore Bitcoin reserves to mitigate economic challenges, Poland’s potential adoption could indicate a broader shift in global attitudes toward cryptocurrencies. While it remains to be seen if Mentzen's promise will influence voters, it underscores the increasing role of crypto in national politics.