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Swiss National Bank Encouraged to Accumulate Bitcoin: Swiss NGO 2B4CH Launches Petition for Referendum to Include BTC in Central Bank Reserves

Swiss National Bank Encouraged to Accumulate Bitcoin: Swiss NGO 2B4CH Launches Petition for Referendum to Include BTC in Central Bank Reserves
Photo by Nadine Marfurt / Unsplash

In an audacious push to safeguard Switzerland's "sovereignty and neutrality" while strengthening its independence from the European Central Bank, the Swiss non-governmental organization 2B4CH has initiated a campaign to gather 100,000 signatures for a referendum. The proposed referendum aims to include Bitcoin (BTC) in the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) gold and foreign currency reserves, as revealed by activist Remo Uhrech.

This groundbreaking initiative reflects a broader sentiment among certain Swiss financial experts and enthusiasts who believe incorporating Bitcoin into the SNB's reserves could fortify the nation's neutrality and offer a robust alternative to traditional financial instruments like German government bonds. The president of Bitcoin Suisse, Luzius Meisser, and 2B4CH founder Yves Bennaim are spearheading this initiative with enthusiasm and strategic collaboration.

On April 26th, at an upcoming meeting with the central bank's leadership, Meisser is scheduled to present his case, advocating for Bitcoin's inclusion in the central bank's strategy. His argument hinges on the premise that Bitcoin can serve as a dependable store of value and a tool for financial sovereignty, akin to gold.

About 2B4CH

2B4CH stands as a non-commercial think tank based in Switzerland, dedicated to studying and accelerating the adoption of Bitcoin. The organization aims to promote understanding and integration of blockchain technology in society, economy, and government functions.

Yves Bennaim, the founder and chairman of 2B4CH, leads efforts to propose amendments to the Swiss Constitution. These changes are designed to formally recognize Bitcoin as part of the Swiss National Bank's reserves, thereby cementing the cryptocurrency's role in enhancing financial sovereignty and neutrality in Switzerland.

Bitcoin Mayor of Lugano

Lugano, known as the most prominent Swiss city in terms of adopting and utilizing BTC, has recently re-elected Michele Foletti as its mayor in April 2024. Known for his Bitcoin-friendly policies, Foletti's reelection has been celebrated by key figures in the cryptocurrency space, including Paolo Ardoino, CEO of the stablecoin issuer Tether. Ardoino congratulated Foletti on his victory, noting that Lugano is "in safe hands," a sentiment echoing the city's progressive stance towards embracing Bitcoin.

This collective movement towards incorporating Bitcoin into the financial strategy of a nation like Switzerland showcases a significant shift in how traditional financial systems and digital currencies can converge to create a resilient economic framework. The forthcoming referendum, spearheaded by 2B4CH and supported by influential figures in the cryptocurrency and financial sectors, represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between traditional banking institutions and the burgeoning world of digital currencies.