Bitcoin in the Swiss Constitution? Yves Bennaïm on How Popular Initiatives Shape Switzerland
What if citizens could propose that Bitcoin be added to the Swiss Federal Constitution? In Switzerland, that’s not just a thought experiment — it’s a legal possibility. In the latest Living in Switzerland podcast, hosted by Rigby, entrepreneur and Bitcoin advocate Yves Bennaïm explains how the unique Swiss system of direct democracy empowers individuals to propose real political change, even in areas as groundbreaking as cryptocurrency.
Bennaïm, founder of the non-profit think tank 2B4CH, walks listeners through the process of launching a popular initiative, a tool enshrined in Swiss law that allows citizens to collect 100,000 signatures to trigger a national vote. He describes his own experience preparing an initiative to include Bitcoin in the Swiss constitution — not to replace the Swiss franc, but to elevate Bitcoin as a strategic asset, much like gold.
The episode is more than a crypto conversation; it’s a crash course in how Switzerland’s political system fosters civic engagement, grassroots activism, and policy innovation. It’s also a glimpse into how new technologies and traditional institutions might coexist in a modern democratic framework.
Listen to the full episode here:
👉 Rigby Podcast: Popular Initiatives in Switzerland with Yves Bennaïm
Ressources:
Bitcoin Initiative: A Revolutionary Proposal for Switzerland
