Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has addressed growing criticism surrounding the Ethereum Foundation and its executive director Aya Miyaguchi, reaffirming Ethereum’s commitment to decentralization amid calls for leadership changes.
“The future of the world computer is decentralized,” Buterin emphasized in a January 21 post on X, responding to concerns about centralization within the Ethereum Foundation following recent leadership adjustments.
The criticism emerged after community members suggested promoting researcher and developer Danny Ryan, who played a pivotal role in Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake, as a better fit for the Foundation’s leadership. Supporters argue Ryan’s technical expertise aligns with Ethereum’s long-term goals.
The Foundation has announced plans to reform its leadership structure, focusing on technical expertise and fostering improved communication with developers and ecosystem builders. Despite these steps, Miyaguchi, who has led the Foundation since 2018, has faced backlash from some in the community, including prominent crypto trader CoinMamba. Critics blame her for perceived inefficiencies and have called for her resignation, asserting that leadership changes could improve Ethereum’s trajectory.
Buterin firmly rejected these calls, stating he retains sole authority over leadership decisions within the Ethereum Foundation. He also criticized the community for fostering a toxic environment that could deter top talent.
“YOU ARE MAKING MY JOB HARDER. And you are decreasing the chance I have any interest whatsoever in doing ‘what you want,’” Buterin stated.
He acknowledged that reforms aim to establish a “proper board” for the Foundation but reiterated his role as the final decision-maker until such changes are implemented. Some community members, including market commentator abstractXBT, voiced concerns about the centralized nature of Buterin’s approach and urged the Foundation to prioritize practical initiatives, such as expanding developer support through grants and hackathons, over leadership debates.
Buterin countered criticisms of centralization, asserting that the Ethereum Foundation is just one component of the broader Ethereum ecosystem. He called for reforming other organizations, like Consensys, to take on more responsibilities, adding that the Foundation’s role should be focused and deliberate.
“EF should not ‘midcurve’; it should confidently represent the aspects of Ethereum that it can be effective at representing and deliberately create and nurture open space for other orgs to represent the other aspects of Ethereum,” Buterin explained.
The Ethereum Foundation has also faced scrutiny over its financial practices, particularly regarding the periodic sale of ETH holdings. Community members have questioned why the Foundation chooses to liquidate its assets rather than capitalize on staking opportunities, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and strategy.
Buterin remains steadfast in his vision, emphasizing that Ethereum’s mission remains firmly rooted in decentralization, despite the challenges.
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