El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has reaffirmed his commitment to purchasing Bitcoin (BTC), despite the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s recent stipulations under a $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement.
IMF Agreement Details:
On February 26, 2025, the IMF approved a 40-month EFF arrangement for El Salvador, providing access to approximately $1.4 billion.
A condition of this agreement requires the Salvadoran public sector to halt voluntary accumulation of Bitcoin during the program's duration.
President Bukele's Stance:
In response to the IMF's condition, President Bukele declared that the country's Bitcoin acquisition strategy would persist, stating, "No, it's not stopping."
He emphasized that El Salvador's commitment to Bitcoin remains steadfast, even in the face of international pressure.
Context:
El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth.
The IMF has consistently expressed concerns regarding Bitcoin's volatility and potential risks to financial stability, leading to conditions in the recent funding agreement to limit public sector involvement in cryptocurrency activities.
President Bukele's unwavering stance highlights a potential tension between El Salvador's sovereign monetary policies and international financial institutions' recommendations.