Sławomir Mentzen has pledged to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and transform Poland into a crypto-friendly nation if elected in 2025.
Polish presidential candidate Sławomir Mentzen emphasized his commitment to fostering a crypto-friendly environment in Poland.
“If I become President of Poland, our country will become a cryptocurrency paradise,” Mentzen declared in a statement on X on Sunday. He also outlined plans for low taxes, friendly regulations, and a collaborative approach with banks and regulators.
Poland should create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
If I become the President of Poland, our country will become a cryptocurrency haven, with very friendly regulations, low taxes, and a supportive approach from banks and regulators.
BTC to the Moon! pic.twitter.com/izKc4spkkV
— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) November 17, 2024
The announcement followed comments on X from Lech Wilczynski, CEO of crypto exchange Swap.ly, who had urged Mentzen to consider a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Wilczynski referenced a model policy proposed by the crypto advocacy group Satoshi Action Fund, noting its potential benefits for Poland’s financial future.
“The draft bill for the strategic Bitcoin reserve is ready and waiting. This should take priority over passing ineffective crypto legislation,” Wilczynski argued. Mentzen confirmed he would pursue the plan if elected.
Projekt ustawy o strategicznej rezerwie bitcoin jest dostępny do wykorzystania. Nie ma na co czekać. Zamiast uchwalać bzdurną ustawę o kryptoaktywach to powinno pójść w pierwszej kolejności zanim będzie za późno. Czy prezydent @SlawomirMentzen będzie zabiegał o utworzenie… https://t.co/Y7YJpZTlTV
— Lech Wilczyński (@DoctorLex) November 17, 2024
Following global trends in Bitcoin reserves
Mentzen’s proposal aligns with a growing global trend among nations adopting Bitcoin as part of their financial strategy.
Under Nayib Bukele’s presidency, El Salvador was the first country to legalize Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 and has since accumulated 5,748.8 BTC.
The Kingdom of Bhutan has also invested heavily in Bitcoin, reportedly holding $780 million of digital assets through mining activities.
Similarly, in the United States, Donald Trump has promised to make America the “crypto capital of the world”. As part of this initiative, the President-elect has vowed to establish a “strategic Bitcoin reserve” and fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, criticizing his “lack of long-term vision” on crypto.
These political attitudes have fueled optimism in the crypto markets, driving Bitcoin’s price past $82,000 for the first time and igniting the meme coin market as investors anticipate a more supportive regulatory landscape.
Implications for Poland’s crypto ecosystem
If Mentzen is successful in the May 2025 elections, his policies could position Poland as a leading cryptocurrency hub in Europe. His promise to reduce regulatory hurdles and taxes could attract blockchain companies and investors to the country.
While Mentzen enjoys popularity among libertarian and right-wing voters, his Bitcoin-focused strategy is likely to face scrutiny over feasibility and implementation challenges.
