British actor, commentator, and author Russell Brand highlighted what he called a “renaissance” in El Salvador, praising the country’s path toward innovation and decentralization through Bitcoin adoption. Speaking during a discussion at the National Theater alongside Max Keiser and Jimmy Song, Brand stated that El Salvador “could be about to rewrite its history.”
The conversation marked the opening of the pre-Bitcoin Histórico activities, the international event organized by the Government of El Salvador and the National Bitcoin Office, which positions the nation as a global benchmark in monetary, technological, and social transformation.
Brand emphasized that El Salvador represents “the first time in a long time that a nation once labeled ‘third world’ is now innovating and leading.” He described the country’s progress as a sign that “the old imperial order is in decline,” adding that decentralized technologies such as Bitcoin are enabling “a new form of social and economic organization.”
Praising the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, Brand called him “the world’s first disruptive president,” noting that his policies have inspired other nations to rethink governance through innovation. “We need more Presidents Bukele,” he added.
According to Brand, El Salvador’s progress from addressing insecurity to investing in education and economic innovation marks the rebirth of a nation. “This beautiful nation can experience a renaissance. We are not getting rid of El Salvador. We are renewing it,” he said.
He also underscored Bitcoin’s role in this renewal, describing it as the decoupling of money from corrupt and centralized institutions, paving the way for “genuine freedom.” For Brand, the country is now sending “global signals about new economic, social, and cultural models.”
The discussion served as the first official activity of Bitcoin Histórico, which formally begins Wednesday with international conferences, announcements, and meetings—positioning El Salvador as a global hub of innovation, freedom, and digital sovereignty.