Polkadot OpenGov Initiates a Referendum on the Validator Minimum Self-Stake Threshold of 10,000 DOT

Polkadot OpenGov is currently voting on a major staking architecture overhaul. Referendum #1890 proposes that Polkadot validators must self-stake a minimum of 10,000 DOT using their own funds. This reform is viewed as a mandatory prerequisite for the next major staking upgrade, which includes eliminating slashing risk for nominators and reducing the unbonding period from approximately 28 days to roughly 24–48 hours. Under the proposal’s logic, validators will directly bear slashing risk via higher self-staking, while nominators can continue earning staking rewards without risking principal slashing.