As the political landscape shifts in Chile, Bitcoin has transitioned from a speculative asset to a central theme in the 2025 presidential campaign. Candidates and their advisors are increasingly viewing the cryptocurrency and its underlying mining practices as avenues for voter appeal rather than risks.
Bitcoin: A Central Topic in Chile’s 2025 Elections
Notably, Daniel Batten, a climate technology investor from New Zealand, indicated on social media that “Bitcoin is becoming a focal point for Chile’s 2025 elections.” He emphasized that most candidates now embrace the discussion surrounding Bitcoin, asserting that opposing it can lead to political backlash, akin to opposing the Internet.
This shift is largely credited to advocacy efforts by Andrés Villagrán, a former software engineer. Since 2023, he has assisted U.S. strategist Dennis Porter in lobbying for Bitcoin as a solution to renewable energy issues in Chile. On May 18, he shared on social media that he had productive discussions with multiple presidential hopefuls about Bitcoin’s potential role in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
Villagrán’s efforts align with initiatives by lawmakers who are working on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) proposal, which would enable the Central Bank to store Bitcoin alongside traditional assets like gold. “This year has been transformative as I met numerous legislators and officials,” Villagrán noted, highlighting plans for additional meetings with key financial ministries later this year.
During a recent address at the Chile Fintech Forum 2025, Porter characterized the current energy curtailment crisis, which results in the loss of significant renewable energy, as an opportunity for Bitcoin mining to play a vital role. “By integrating Bitcoin mining into our energy grid, we can mitigate the waste and provide a stabilizing force,” he stated, underscoring the adaptability of miners in dynamic environments.
@someone en #Something2025: potenciar la minería de Bitcoin puede transformar nuestro sistema energético. Es hora de que los políticos se comprometan.
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— Andrés Villagrán
Political figures are keenly aware of this shift in sentiment. Both right-wing candidate José Antonio Kast and centre-right candidate Evelyn Matthei have adopted a pro-Bitcoin stance, framing the cryptocurrency as a matter of national competitiveness rather than as a risky asset. Meanwhile, leftist candidates from the Unity for Chile coalition are also engaging with Bitcoin policy discussions, further cementing its status as a vital election issue.
With just months until the first electoral round on November 16, the stakes are high. Anticipation is building for a nationwide candidates’ forum on June 20, where discussions on energy pricing and digital currencies are expected to take center stage. Villagrán has indicated that at least one candidate is ready to advocate for Bitcoin publicly during this event.
The future of the SBR proposal remains in limbo as the Central Bank has raised concerns about potential volatility and adherence to international financial guidelines. Nevertheless, as Batten pointed out, Chilean politicians are learning from past mistakes. They recognize the growing public interest in Bitcoin, linking it to innovation, affordable energy, and economic resilience.
If these dynamics continue, the upcoming elections could represent a historic moment in Latin America, where every candidate’s platform includes provisions for Bitcoin, highlighting its far-reaching implications for both the energy sector and the financial landscape.
As of now, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $105,385.
