Javier Milei's Bribery Scandal Threatens Argentina's Crypto Future
‘Disbelief and disappointment’: how Javier Milei’s bribery scandal may have derailed Argentina’s crypto investment
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Argentinian President Javier Milei faces a bribery scandal linked to a $5 million deal promoting the $Libra cryptocurrency, causing his approval ratings to plummet. The scandal has damaged the reputation of crypto in Argentina, hindering industry growth and regulatory progress amid ongoing economic challenges.
- 01Javier Milei's bribery scandal involves a $5 million financial agreement related to the $Libra cryptocurrency.
- 02The scandal has led to a decline in Milei's approval ratings and damaged the reputation of crypto in Argentina.
- 03Regulatory progress for crypto in Argentina has slowed due to the scandal, despite previous optimism.
- 04The Devconnect conference in November 2025 aimed to rehabilitate crypto's image amid the scandal.
- 05Milei's political future remains uncertain as he has previously bounced back from scandals.
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Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, is experiencing his lowest approval ratings since taking office in 2023 due to a bribery scandal involving a $5 million financial agreement related to his endorsement of the $Libra cryptocurrency. This scandal has tarnished the reputation of crypto in Argentina and set back the ambitions of industry advocates who viewed the country as a promising ground for digital currency growth. As Milei implements strict austerity measures to combat rampant inflation, the economic situation for many Argentinians remains dire. The $Libra cryptocurrency, promoted by Milei in February 2025, peaked at $5 before crashing to below $1, resulting in significant losses for investors. The scandal's revelations, particularly a financial agreement recovered from crypto lobbyist Mauricio Novelli's cellphone, contradict Milei's claims of no prior connection to the project. Despite the setback, industry advocates are attempting to reshape crypto's public image, particularly through the upcoming Devconnect conference in November 2025, which attracted over 17,000 attendees. While some regulatory discussions have resumed, the recent scandal has complicated the path forward for crypto in Argentina, leaving the future of Milei's presidency and the crypto sector uncertain.
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The bribery scandal has created distrust in the crypto sector, potentially stalling regulatory progress and affecting investments in digital currencies.
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