Showing off his Bitcoin hardware wallet, is the new French president a bitcoiner?

New French President Emmanuel Macron has made headlines on Reddit for a photo showing him showing off his bitcoin hardware wallet, Ledger Blue. The photo began circulating after Marcron defeated Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front, on Monday. The photo has received about 1,500 likes so far.

Although many cryptography enthusiasts are excited that the new French president may be a technology geek, there is not enough information to prove his attitude towards and understanding of Bitcoin.

Does Macron Really Understand Bitcoin?

According to various sources, the photo was taken at the Cap Digital tech conference last March... but that doesn't prove anything. He was previously France's economy minister, and he had to show an appreciation for technology as part of his job, whether he really understood it or not.

A report in a French media outlet seems to mention that he may have some vague knowledge of blockchain. Macron said:

Financial regulators authorize blockchain to be tested in securities markets…Once the trials are successful, the government could expand its application to unlisted securities, with the goal of promoting the development of small and medium-sized exchanges.

Macron's political philosophy

Regardless of whether this statement proves his knowledge of cryptocurrencies, relying on politicians to develop technology is always a controversial topic. After all, their focus is on industry regulation and making laws.

Macron is a left-leaning supporter, which is even more obvious in this regard. Left-leaning factions are usually hostile to any type of currency. Macron even supports the EU's policy of creating a public environment, which is generally inconsistent with the concept of Bitcoin or any currency. An article on Steemit wrote:

Macron is an avid supporter of the European Union and advocates liberalism. He may blindly follow the European Union, but the European Union will not help France because the country's financial situation is poor and financial problems may swallow France.

Therefore, it is likely that the claim that Macron appreciates cryptocurrencies and cryptography is incorrect. However, on the other hand, over time, even politicians will be attracted by the power of blockchain technology.