Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin Responds to Sweden’s Cashless Setback
- Sammy Salmela
- May 26
- 2 min read

Article with AI Analysis:
Date: 2025-05-26
Source: Cointelegraph
Introduction
Sweden has long stood at the forefront of digital finance, but its push toward a fully cashless society is now being re-evaluated. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has weighed in on the shift, calling attention to the risks of relying entirely on centralised systems. As concerns about civil defence and crisis resilience grow, the idea of cash or a decentralised backup has gained new urgency.
Centralisation's Fragility in a Time of Crisis
Digital payments are fast, efficient, and widely adopted across Sweden. In fact, fewer than 10% of transactions today are made with cash. But what happens if digital systems fail? That’s the concern behind Sweden’s recent change of heart.
Authorities are now encouraging people to keep cash on hand, especially in times of war or instability. Buterin sees this as proof that fully centralised digital solutions are brittle. “Cash turns out necessary as a backup,” he wrote.
Could Ethereum Be That Backup?
Buterin believes Ethereum has a unique role to play when traditional systems falter. Its decentralised nature means it isn’t controlled by any single authority, and it can operate even partially when centralised systems go offline.
Offline crypto transactions using zero-knowledge proofs and secure hardware are becoming more realistic, according to Buterin. Though there are still limitations, the technology exists and is improving fast. “Ethereum needs to be resilient enough, and private enough, to credibly play this kind of role,” he emphasised.
AI-Powered Sentiment Analysis
Our AI analysis of this article revealed:
sentiment_score: 0.17 Slightly positive tone, cautiously optimistic about Ethereum’s resilience.
Financial Sentiment: 0.17 The article discusses crypto as a fallback, highlighting financial opportunity and systemic risk.
Polarity Score: 0.119 Mildly positive language with balanced perspectives.
Subjectivity Score: 0.38 Moderate objectivity; informative tone with expert opinion from Buterin.
These scores suggest that the article maintains a cautiously optimistic tone while acknowledging real-world risks and technical limitations. It’s informative, emotionally grounded, and leans into Ethereum’s potential without overhyping.
Read More
Read the full article on: https://cointelegraph.com/news/ethereum-alternative-sweden-cashless-plans
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Disclaimer
This article was generated using AI and reviewed for accuracy. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Always consult with a professional before making investment decisions.
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