Cardano's Governance Crisis Deepens as Hoskinson Hunts for DAO Solutions
Cardano's governance structure is facing its biggest test yet as founder Charles Hoskinson embarks on an unprecedented review of over 11,000 decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). The move comes at a critical time for the network, with a contentious funding proposal threatening to derail IOG's research roadmap and potentially force layoffs. Hoskinson has hinted that he may register as a DRep himself, giving him direct voting power in Cardano's on-chain system.
The review is designed to identify structural flaws in Cardano's governance model, which has been plagued by internal conflicts and disagreements over the past few months. Hoskinson has pointed to his decade-long research into DAOs as the foundation for proposed changes, which he plans to introduce through the network's constitution and new technology.
The timing of the review is significant, coinciding with a heated debate over IOG's treasury proposal, which seeks 32.9 million ADA to fund Cardano's 2026 research roadmap. With roughly 87% of Delegated Representatives voting against the measure, Hoskinson has warned that IOG will not resubmit the proposal if it fails.