Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin reported to exert indirect control over core ecosystem governance

Péter Szilágyi, former lead developer of the Geth client and longtime Ethereum Foundation veteran, has publicly criticized the Ethereum Foundation's governance, alleging that a small inner circle of five to ten individuals, closely tied to co-founder Vitalik Buterin and a few venture capital firms, effectively controls the ecosystem. Szilágyi described this group as a "Vitalik-centric power circle" whose influence determines project success through privileged access to funding and approvals, contradicting Ethereum's decentralized image. He claimed that despite his leadership role, his influence was largely symbolic, and dissent against this elite often led to isolation and marginalization within the Foundation. Szilágyi also revealed his modest compensation over six years, highlighting the misalignment between contributor rewards and Ethereum's market growth. The Ethereum Foundation has responded with leadership changes, layoffs, and strategic adjustments, attempting to address internal challenges, but community dissatisfaction remains high, fueled by concerns over transparency, centralization, and the Foundation's handling of Ethereum reserves. These revelations have sparked broader discussions about the foundations of decentralization and governance within one of the largest blockchain networks.