The Belo Horizonte City Council in Brazil officially named the city "Bitcoin Capital" with a vote of 20 in favor and 8 against. The proposal was put forward by Councilor Vile Santos, who believes Bitcoin represents economic freedom and innovation, citing the example of the U.S. government establishing a cryptocurrency reserve as proof of global adoption. The vote sparked debate between left-wing and right-wing councilors. Workers' Party Councilor Luiza Dulci questioned Bitcoin's lack of intrinsic value and regulation, and doubted its contribution to residents' employment and income. Supporters argued that Bitcoin, as a digital asset, could bring innovation and the potential to make Belo Horizonte a digital financial hub. The city already has over 2 million Bitcoin users, and the rising price of Ethereum along with the upcoming launch of Ethereum futures on Brazil's B3 exchange is injecting momentum into the digital asset market. This decision also echoes the trend of multiple U.S. states and countries incorporating Bitcoin into their strategic reserves globally.

HIGHLIGHTS 20 councillors voted in favor of naming Belo Horizonte the capital of Bitcoin.  Councilman Vile Santos introduced the proposal, arguing that the flagship crypto promotes economic freedom.  Coincillors who voted in support of the bill believe the city can become a hub for digital finance. The city council of Belo Horizonte has voted to declare the city the “Capital of Bitcoin.” The decision came during a heated session earlier this week, where 20 councilors supported the bill, 8 opposed, and 6 chose to abstain.

Councilman Vile Santos introduced the proposal, saying Bitcoin represents economic freedom and innovation. He cited the US government’s move to build a crypto reserve as an example of global adoption.
Political Divide Over Bitcoin in Belo Horizonte
The vote has started a debate between left-wing and right-wing councilors. Councilwoman Luiza Dulci of the Workers’ Party argued that Bitcoin has no intrinsic value and lacks regulation. She questioned what kind of jobs or income Bitcoin could generate for residents.

In response, Santos insisted that it is not a political tool but a financial asset. “This isn’t about ideology,” he said. “Bitcoin is a digital asset. Let’s bring innovation and crypto to Belo Horizonte’s economy.”

Another councilor noted that more than 2 million people in Minas Gerais already use Bitcoin. Supporters of the bill believe the city can become a hub for digital finance and tech-driven business.

With Ethereum pushing past $2,400 and the Pectra upgrade driving fresh inflows, momentum is building. The upcoming ETH futures launch on Brazil’s B3 exchange could strengthen that trend further.

Meanwhile, the decision of the Belo Horizonte council follows a global push to add Bitcoin as a strategic reserve across multiple US states as well as several countries across the globe.

The Belo Horizonte City Council in Brazil has officially designated the city as the "Bitcoin Capital."