Politics, finance, and new technologies: an intertwining that until a few years ago might have seemed like science fiction. However, due to the unstoppable rise and full maturity of digital tools in recent years, it is gradually finding concrete and significant outlets. This is especially true in the context of the potentially revolutionary impact arising from the intersection of the Bitcoin universe and the national and international political landscape. It’s a horizon yet to be fully explored, and which has been given ample space at the recent Plan ₿ Forum 2023, held exactly a month ago at the Palazzo Congressi, Villa Ciani, and Asilo Ciani. To delve further into the issue, we conducted an enlightening interview with Samuel Kullmann, the Grand Councilor from Thun elected in Bern, representing the EDU-UDF (Federal Democratic Union). He is known, among other things, for his interest in the use of Bitcoin in politics, and he was a featured panelist during the Lugano’s Plan ₿ Forum, aptly titled “Bitcoin in Politics.”
Who is Samuel Kullmann: A Brief Profile
Born in Leeds, raised in Mongolia, and later settling in Switzerland, Kullmann is a multifaceted figure in the political landscape. His career has been dedicated to combating human trafficking and protecting individuals. Samuel Kullmann, at the age of 37, envisions a future with a high-tech financial impact, and his intervention in Lugano attracted attention for his visionary ideas, especially on how Bitcoin can be integrated into the governmental ecosystem and the fabric of society.
Samuel, how did your passion for the world of Bitcoin come about?
“Since 2015, I have conducted extensive research on the financial system, delving into its profound injustices, particularly towards people in third-world countries and low-income groups in general. Discovering Bitcoin allowed me to disconnect almost completely from the dynamics of the traditional economic system, which I clearly disapprove of.”
What advantages can a country gain from supporting Bitcoin payments?
“The example of El Salvador demonstrates how a country can venture into new models and attract enthusiastic tourists and investors. Actively promoting the adoption of Bitcoin seems to be a winning strategy (albeit in the long term) for any country willing to explore this path.”
How can governments and institutions adequately support Bitcoin? And how can they raise awareness and support among citizens on this topic?
“Bitcoin doesn’t need support (it functions perfectly on its own); it’s people and governments that need Bitcoin. It’s positive for citizens to have access to high-quality information about Bitcoin to enable awareness and protection against numerous crypto-related scams. National governments can only benefit when many of their citizens hold Bitcoin, as the nation’s purchasing power is expected to grow significantly in the long term.”
How can elected officials and politicians support the adoption of Bitcoin in society and government?
“By allowing the payment of any government tax in Bitcoin, offering state employees the option to receive part of their salary in Bitcoin, holding Bitcoin in the state institutions’ balance sheets, exploring abandoned energy sources, developing sustainable Bitcoin mining operations, and actively seeking to attract startups working on and with the Bitcoin blockchain.”
Bitcoin is often considered the future of currency. However, many doubts and risks persist for many, causing concerns for institutions and governments. What is your opinion on European regulation in this area, and what solutions could be considered?
“The European Union and most countries risk overregulating Bitcoin, making it very challenging for startups to operate and increasing transaction, mining, and holding costs for the average citizen.”
It is recent news that the Cantonal Bank of St. Gallen and SEBA Bank will collaborate in custody and trading services for Bitcoin. What are your thoughts on this?
