Belgian MP the first European political leader to accept salary in Bitcoin

Belgian MP the first European political leader to accept salary in Bitcoin

The Bitcoin craze has apparently reached as far as European lawmakers in the Belgian parliament as one of Brussels member of parliament named Christophe De Beukelaer announced becoming the first European politician who converted his salary to Bitcoin.

De Beukelaer’s monthly salary of EUR 5,500 ($6,140.75) is set to be converted to Bitcoin through the Bit4You cryptocurrencies trading platform, reported a local news agency Bruzz. Beukelaer represents Humanist Democratic Centre (CDH) party in Brussels and has said he hopes this recent move would inspire other politicians across the region to express a similar interest in the nascent technology. 

Beukelaer, at the event, cited the example of New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams and spoke about the way American politicians have been working to make their native cities and states as emerging Bitcoin hubs. 

He said that New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been spending three months to collect his Bitcoin salary for making New York the Bitcoin hub. He opines that it is “not too late for Brussels and Belgium” for playing the leading role in the cryptocurrency industry.

Miami’s Mayor Francis X. Suarez is yet another famous lawmaker known for his zealous Bitcoin advocacy. He has been extremely vocal about making the city a Bitcoin hub. Other than getting his own salary in Bitcoin, he has also been working on policies for making the same option available for the city employees.

However, it isn’t just politicians, but some of the biggest names in sports are also coming forward and accepting their salaries in Bitcoin. A total number of seven NFL stars have now chosen to be paid in Bitcoin.  

NBA stars, including Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala, have also made a recent announcement of them accepting Bitcoin salaries moving forward.

From what is evident, it can be said that sportsman adopting Bitcoins in the mainstream has given rise to confidence among a growing number of politicians who are looking to get paid in Bitcoin, hence indicating the heightening popularity of Bitcoin as an asset.