Who Really Runs Ethereum? Ex-Core Dev’s Resurfaced Letter Spurs Fresh Debate
A resurfaced letter from ex-core developer Péter Szilágyi criticizes the Ethereum Foundation's elite culture and inadequate developer compensation.Summary
A May 2024 letter written by former Geth lead developer Péter Szilágyi, which recently resurfaced, has ignited debate regarding the governance and culture within the Ethereum Foundation (EF).
Szilágyi accused the EF of fostering an elite power structure centered around co-founder Vitalik Buterin, claiming Buterin holds "complete indirect control" over the ecosystem, with a small circle dictating project success. He also heavily criticized the compensation structure, revealing that over six years, his total pre-tax earnings were only $625,000 without incentives, despite Ethereum's massive growth, suggesting the EF deliberately underpays core contributors.
The revelations prompted community backlash over resource allocation, with figures like Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal also voicing frustration over feeling excluded by the core Ethereum community. While Buterin publicly commended Nailwal and Polygon's contributions, neither he nor the EF has yet addressed the specific allegations made in Szilágyi's letter.
(Source：BeInCrypto)