Suriname Presidential Candidate Promises Bitcoin Legalization If Elected
In a surprising announcement that could redefine Suriname’s financial future, presidential candidate Maya Parbhoe vowed to legalize Bitcoin if she wins the upcoming election. This bold statement, made during her appearance on THE Bitcoin Podcast, has sparked widespread debate and speculation. Parbhoe’s vision for Suriname includes not only legitimizing Bitcoin but fully replacing the Surinamese dollar with cryptocurrency as part of a strategy to achieve financial sovereignty.
Parbhoe is a firm advocate of Bitcoin’s potential to bring economic independence, asserting that legalization could be achieved swiftly with a single executive order. “Legalizing Bitcoin is something that can be done in a day. It’s a single-page document from the regulator. There’s no need for parliament’s approval or any legislative changes,” Parbhoe explained.
However, she acknowledged the complexity of incorporating Bitcoin into Suriname’s financial system. To tackle these challenges, she has proposed establishing a Transitional Commission, bringing in international experts to support a smooth and structured integration. This contrasts sharply with El Salvador’s Bitcoin experience, where the cryptocurrency was legalized in 2021 but faced low adoption rates.
Parbhoe’s financial reform strategy goes beyond Bitcoin integration. Her ambitious roadmap includes reducing Suriname’s reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by issuing Bitcoin-backed bonds and allocating oil revenue toward reducing national debt. Through these measures, she hopes to foster economic resilience and empower Suriname to operate independently on the global financial stage.
Parbhoe has garnered some public support for her campaign through the crowdfunding platform Geyser, where she has raised around $48,000. In the same podcast interview, she criticized the current government, claiming that its ineffectiveness has led to a healthcare crisis while the president enjoys luxurious travel. Her drive to address these issues resonates with citizens seeking change.
A long-time Bitcoin enthusiast, Parbhoe began her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 15, running a business that resold goods from Amazon’s marketplace. With her firsthand experience in business and finance, she now brings her knowledge and advocacy for Bitcoin to the forefront of her presidential campaign.
Whether or not Parbhoe wins the election, analysts anticipate Bitcoin’s price will reach $200,000 by the end of 2025. Her commitment to Bitcoin legalization may thus align with a broader trend as cryptocurrency gains traction globally.
