French presidential candidate launches NFTs to finance his campaign

THE philosopher Gaspard Koenig, candidate in the 2022 French presidential election, has just launched a collection of NFTs in the aim of financing his campaign -- a first in a western country.

Whether it's a publicity stunt or genuine call for funding, if one thing's sure, it's that Gaspard Koenig's initiative could give ideas to others in the future. The "Simple" political movement's candidate in the 2022 French presidential election has just announced the launch of an NFT collection comprising some 800 pieces.

"The digital revolution is coming! For the first time in a French presidential campaign, Gaspard Koenig issues 800 NFTs divided into 4 series on his key proposals. The sale is open on @delphnft," reads a tweet from the candidate.

Four series of 200 NFTs will be issued on the main campaign themes such as the legalization of the production, sale and consumption of cannabis, universal income or the rights of living beings. Each one will go on sale for €20, and a French start-up, Delph, has been charged with creating the digital tokens. Depending on the success of the operation, a second batch of tokens in a more offbeat style could be offered.

Although unique in France, this initiative is reminiscent of another similar funding drive. Recently, in South Korea, the ruling party's candidate in the presidential election issued NFTs to support his campaign. In both cases, the national commissions in charge of monitoring campaign funding do not seem to have opposed the issuing of these tokens. And while the publicity stunt could prove fruitful by reaching the new generations and digital communities, it could also bring €15,000 to Gaspard Koenig's movement.