Concerns About France’s Decline
Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has expressed concerns about the current state of France, suggesting that the nation has been in decline in recent years. His commentary references a disturbing trend of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings that have plagued the country, alongside the controversial detention of Telegram founder Pavel Durov last August. Despite his criticisms, Zhao remains optimistic about France’s potential for recovery, especially as a key player within the European Union.
Rising Kidnapping Incidents
Throughout this year, France has drawn significant attention in crypto circles due to several high-profile abductions linked to the crypto industry. Notably, Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped in January, with his captors demanding a ransom of €10 million. The situation escalated dramatically when Balland suffered severe injury during the ordeal; fortunately, he was rescued by elite French forces. Additionally, a cryptocurrency millionaire’s father was abducted in May and later rescued by the police. That same month, Pierre Noizat’s daughter faced a harrowing attack by masked individuals who attempted to kidnap her while she was with her child. In total, French authorities have charged around 25 individuals connected to this troubling rise in kidnappings, prompting officials to implement enhanced security protocols for those in the crypto sector.
Hope for the Future
Zhao’s remarks about France coincide with the recent reopening of the Notre-Dame’s medieval twin towers, which took five years to restore following the catastrophic fire of April 2019. He noted that Binance contributed to the restoration efforts early in the process and expressed hope that the reopening of such a historic site might contribute to improving safety conditions in the country.
“Hope it helps to make France a safer country (even if only in some small way),”
Zhao commented, signaling a blend of concern and optimism for the future of France amid its challenges.
