El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele continues to advocate for Bitcoin, despite challenges posed by a new IMF deal that requires Bitcoin usage to be voluntary. After doubling down on Bitcoin purchases in January 2025, Bukele remains optimistic about the cryptocurrency's future, especially with a pro-crypto administration in the U.S. and Bitcoin values soaring past $100,000. Though the new IMF agreement could limit Bukele's ambitions, experts view the potential $1.4 billion loan as a significant opportunity for El Salvador's economy. The country’s Bitcoin reserves have grown significantly, making up about 15% of international reserves, contributing to its effort to attract crypto firms. However, local adoption remains low, with polls indicating only 7.5% of Salvadorans have used Bitcoin. Critics argue that the funds could be better allocated toward essential services like education and healthcare. Despite these concerns, Bukele's approach is praised for its potential long-term benefits, although transparency continues to be an issue in the management of Bitcoin reserves.

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