Enthusiasts call for the massive purchase of bitcoins 0:50
(CNN Spanish) -
The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, confirmed this Monday that his government bought the first 200 bitcoin coins, an operation that would be around US $ 10 million.
CNN has requested information on the amount invested from the Ministry of Communications.
However, we still do not have an answer.
According to the bitcoin.com portal, the value of each cryptocurrency stood at US $ 51,000 this Monday, although the price may vary multiple times the same day depending on market conditions.
"Our brokers will buy much more as the deadline approaches," said the president in a tweet.
Bukele refers to September 7, when the law that recognizes bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador comes into force.
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Free Bitcoins to incentivize their use 2:49
Starting this Tuesday, Salvadorans will be able to download the “Chivo Wallet”, an application created by the government through which it will deliver US $ 30 to those who download it to promote its use.
The use of bitcoin will be optional for citizens, but businesses will be obliged to accept payments for products and services through this currency, explained Javier Argueta, legal adviser to the presidency.
“The same electronic wallet sends you the message if you receive bitcoin or receive dollars.
So we are ready, ”Argueta explained to the press.
However, social organizations have asked the government to repeal the law because, among other things, they fear the volatility of the cryptocurrency.
A survey by the Public Opinion Institute of the Central American University carried out between August 13 and 20 revealed that 67.9% of those consulted who know that the law was approved reject bitcoin.
The government's bet is that through the use of bitcoin as legal tender, new investments can be attracted.
In addition, reduce the commissions that are paid for sending remittances from abroad.
According to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador, in 2020 this Central American country received in remittances just over US $ 5,918 million.
Bitcoin