Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, has shown his interest in cryptocurrency as a Bitcoin owner, signaling a widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies in the South American country. This move follows the example of El Salvador, another Latin American country that recognized Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021.
President Petro’s ownership of Bitcoin became apparent when Samson Mow gifted him BTC worth 100,000 satoshis. President Petro expressed his optimism about the potential of cryptocurrency technology for the Colombian people.
Following the acquisition of Bitcoin, President Petro announced plans to form working groups in public administration and local communities to utilize the technology for economic benefits. This move positioned Colombia among the countries exploring innovative financial solutions.
In the context of South American countries embracing cryptocurrencies, Argentina recently elected right-wing leader Javier Milei as its new president. This political change prompted El Salvador President Nayib Bukele to send Bitcoin advisor Max Keiser to the Argentina Bitcoin team to obtain permission to visit El Salvador.
With Gustavo Petro’s foray into Bitcoin ownership, the South American region is witnessing an increasing interest in digital assets and blockchain solutions. The convergence of political leaders and cryptocurrency advocates sets the stage for potential progress in the adoption and integration of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the region. We may see more government officials becoming Bitcoin owners in the future.