IMF Claims El Salvador Stops Bitcoin (BTC) Purchases; Government Says Otherwise – What's the Truth?

# El Salvador Stops Public Sector Bitcoin Purchases Following IMF Loan Agreement El Salvador has paused all Bitcoin (BTC) purchases using public sector funds to comply with the conditions set by a loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as reported by Coingape on the 27th. Rodrigo Valdes, the IMF's Western Hemisphere Department Director, revealed during a press briefing that "the government of El Salvador has ceased further Bitcoin purchases to meet the loan conditions." This decision is part of a $1.4 billion loan agreement between the IMF and El Salvador, requiring the country to adhere to specific fiscal and governance standards. Although President Nayib Bukele initially resisted the IMF's stipulations, recent actions suggest the administration is now in compliance with these terms. Valdes confirmed, "El Salvador is upholding its commitment to stop Bitcoin accumulation and is meeting the performance benchmarks laid out by the IMF." In addition to halting Bitcoin acquisitions with public resources, El Salvador is also implementing other IMF-required measures, such as improving fiscal transparency and advancing structural reforms. # Strategic Bitcoin Reserves Grow Amid Alternative Funding Sources Even as El Salvador stops Bitcoin purchases linked to public funds, it continues to acquire Bitcoin through other means. On the same day, the National Bitcoin Office announced the purchase of 1 BTC, increasing the country’s total reserves to 6,159.18 BTC. Over the past week, the government has added 8 BTC to its holdings. The National Bitcoin Office shared this update via X (formerly known as Twitter), stating: *"El Salvador just bought another 1 BTC for our Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Don't trust, verify ✅"* At current Bitcoin prices nearing $100,000, El Salvador’s 6,159 BTC reserves are valued at approximately $583 million. While the details of the alternative funding sources remain unclear, industry speculation suggests that these acquisitions are supported by profits generated from the government’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserves and potential private sector financing.