El Salvador President Nayib Bukele Calls Off Bitcoin 2022 Conference Appearance

Bukele had previously teased he would be making an important announcement at this year’s conference.

AccessTimeIconApr 6, 2022 at 6:04 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 4:05 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, citing “unforeseen circumstances” that require his full attention at home, cancelled his planned participation in the Bitcoin 2022 conference in Miami.

  • He did not say what those circumstances are in the letter tweeted out by the conference organizers, although the letter says, "I will have to be in another flank in the battle for freedom."
  • El Salvador is currently in a fierce battle against criminal gangs, known as “maras.” On March 27, 62 people were killed in murders attributed to a local mara, prompting El Salvador's Legislative Assembly to suspend constitutional rights for 30 days.
  • According to El Salvador's National Police, 6,894 gang members have been arrested in the last 11 days.
  • In his letter, Bukele said he had the “sincere hope” of participating to make “another announcement, another small contribution in our fight for the liberation of money.”
  • It was at the Bitcoin 2021 conference last June that Bukele announced his plans to make bitcoin (BTC) legal tender in El Salvador. Expectations for this year's announcement included a progress report on the country’s plans for the sale of $1 billion in bitcoin bonds.
  • Bitcoin Ecosystem Developments in 2023 as BTC Hits Fresh 2023 High
    08:42
    Bitcoin Ecosystem Developments in 2023 as BTC Hits Fresh 2023 High
  • Bitcoin Extends Rally as $1B in BTC Withdrawals Suggests Bullish Mood
    01:10
    Bitcoin Extends Rally as $1B in BTC Withdrawals Suggests Bullish Mood
  • Why Financial Advisors Are So Excited About a Spot Bitcoin ETF
    1:02:43
    Why Financial Advisors Are So Excited About a Spot Bitcoin ETF
  • When Could Traders See the Arrival of a Spot Bitcoin ETF?
    02:21
    When Could Traders See the Arrival of a Spot Bitcoin ETF?
  • UPDATE (April 6, 14:45): Adds information in first bullet point.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Andrés Engler

    Andrés Engler was a CoinDesk editor based in Argentina, where he covers the Latin American crypto ecosystem. He holds BTC and ETH.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.