Maya Parbhoe: The Surinamese Presidential Candidate Who Wants to Make Bitcoin Legal Tender

An entrepreneur and longtime Bitcoin advocate, Parbhoe believes the crypto can address some of Suriname's most pressing economic challenges.

Surinamese presidential candidate Maya Parbhoe has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the country’s economy by making Bitcoin legal tender on her first day in office.

Parbhoe, an entrepreneur and longtime Bitcoin advocate, believes the cryptocurrency can help address some of Suriname’s most pressing economic challenges, including high inflation, systemic government corruption and a severely limited financial infrastructure.

In a recent interview, Parbhoe expressed deep frustration with the current Surinamese administration, which she said has exacerbated existing corruption and mismanagement. “This government is worse than the last,” she said, pointing to deteriorating public services, including healthcare.

“The people are tired. We really do need drastic change, like El Salvador,” she added, referring to the country’s landmark decision to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021.

Inspired by El Salvador’s move, Parbhoe envisions BTC at the heart of Suriname’s economy, providing a path to financial sovereignty, transparency and resilience.

“Bitcoin should be our de facto currency, separating money from the state completely,” she said. But her plan extends beyond simply legalizing Bitcoin.

Parbhoe is also committed to establishing a system that protects Surinamese citizens from both local and international pressures.

Moreover, Parbhoe aims to make Suriname financially independent from traditional monetary institutions, especially the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She went on to criticize the IMF as a tool of “monetary colonialism” that stifles genuine economic progress in smaller nations. Recently, IMF also tried to put a spanner in El Salvador’s works by asking them to limit the use of Bitcoin, CNF reported.

So, with Bitcoin and its decentralized structure, she hopes to create an economic system that is immune to external influence.

Suriname presidential candidate Maya Parbhoe at BlockDown Conference Surinam on April 22, 2023, in Paramaribo, Suriname. Photo: CNF.Suriname presidential candidate Maya Parbhoe at BlockDown Conference Surinam on April 22, 2023. Photo: CNF.

Other Economic-Friendly Initiatives

Furthermore, Parbhoe shared her intention to establish a “sovereign wealth fund” operating on the Liquid Network to support universal basic income (UBI) and reduce reliance on income taxes.

“By decentralizing the flow of royalties and income, we reduce government control over resources, benefiting the people directly,” she explained.

This initiative aligns with her transparency-driven vision for an economy where citizens enjoy financial freedom without relying on central bank policies.

To balance these sweeping changes, Parbhoe has outlined plans to attract foreign investors and digital nomads who can help propel Suriname’s economy without disrupting the local culture.

She stressed her intention to avoid “gentrification and over-tourism” while advancing sustainable development initiatives centered on Bitcoin infrastructure.

Her vision includes developing local talent in technology sectors and retaining the wealth generated within Suriname.

While Suriname is pursuing a Bitcoin strategy akin to El Salvador, recent reports indicate that only 7.5% of El Salvadorians use Bitcoin for transactions. Thus, BTC functions primarily as a reserve asset and an inflation hedge.

A staunch proponent of decentralization, Parbhoe ultimately aims to limit the government’s power in Suriname. She even hopes to make herself and the role of president redundant. “I don’t want power…I want to ensure that I don’t have to be in charge as soon

The above is the detailed content of Maya Parbhoe: The Surinamese Presidential Candidate Who Wants to Make Bitcoin Legal Tender. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!