The post Germany’s Chancellor Front-Runner Friedrich Merz Signals Shift in Crypto Policy appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Friedrich Merz leads Germany’s election with a pro-business agenda that could indirectly benefit crypto and fintech sectors.  Alice Weidel’s AfD proposes radical crypto deregulation, challenging Germany’s traditional financial stability approach. Germany’s upcoming federal election on February 23, 2025, could mark a turning point in the nation’s approach to cryptocurrency and financial innovation. Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), leads the race with a pro-business and innovation-driven platform.  His main rival, Alice Weidel of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), advocates for aggressive crypto reforms and full deregulation of digital assets. With Germany’s influential role in European financial policy, the election’s outcome may shape the country’s stance on digital currencies and financial innovation. Merz’s Pro-Business Agenda and Measured Crypto Outlook Friedrich Merz has built his campaign on promises of economic revitalization, pro-business policies, and financial reform. Before entering politics, Merz held prominent financial roles, including chairman of BlackRock Germany’s supervisory board and senior positions at HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt. He also served on the boards of Deutsche Börse, EY Germany, and Borussia Dortmund, reinforcing his financial expertise. To address Germany’s economic stagnation, Merz proposes cutting corporate and income taxes, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and expanding venture capital opportunities to establish Germany as a global startup hub. His platform includes creating a ministerial position for artificial intelligence and digitization, aligning with global trends toward technological innovation. While Merz is not an outspoken crypto advocate, his economic policies could indirectly benefit the digital asset industry. His administration would likely support the introduction of a digital euro, but only if it proves beneficial. A recent survey from Germany’s central bank revealed that half of Germans would “definitely” or “probably” use a digital euro, highlighting growing public interest in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Merz aims to balance innovation with regulation,…

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Filed under: News - @ February 21, 2025 5:25 am