Overview
- Wu Blockchain published a previously private letter from Péter Szilágyi alleging concentrated influence within the Ethereum Foundation centered on Vitalik Buterin.
- Szilágyi wrote that 5–10 figures linked to 1–3 venture firms effectively determine which projects gain traction, casting Buterin as a de facto kingmaker.
- He argued that underpaying core developers pushes them toward outside advisorships, creating conflicts of interest and a risk of “protocol capture.”
- Community discussion highlighted a gap between decentralized code and centralized influence, with calls for greater transparency around decision-making and compensation.
- Coindoo reported that Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal criticized Ethereum’s internal politics, and that Buterin responded by praising Polygon’s contributions.