Jonas Lauwiner, a Moroccan-origin man, has claimed ownership of over 117,000 square meters of land in Switzerland, including fields, open land, and 83 roads used by the public. He utilized a loophole in the Swiss Civil Code, Article 658, which allows individuals to claim unregistered land for a minimal fee. Lauwiner's journey began when his father gifted him a small agricultural plot, and he subsequently discovered numerous unclaimed plots across Switzerland.
Lauwiner's search for unclaimed land spanned several years, during which he registered around 150 plots. He acquired these lands by simply filing paperwork and paying a few hundred francs in fees. The acquired land includes roads that thousands of people use daily. According to Lauwiner, his claim is legitimate, and he has not broken any laws. He views his actions as a simple exploitation of an existing rule.
In 2019, Lauwiner took his claims to the next level by declaring himself King Jonas I, symbolic monarch of Switzerland. He held a coronation ceremony at Bern's Nydegg Church, where he wore royal regalia, including an 18-carat gold jeweled crown. Lauwiner's actions have sparked controversy, as Switzerland has no royal family, no monarchy in its constitution, and no historical tradition of a king.
Many initially dismissed Lauwiner as an eccentric or prankster, but the situation took a serious turn when municipalities began receiving bills for the use of roads now owned by King Jonas. In the village of Geuensee, local authorities attempted to reclaim a street, but Lauwiner offered to sell it for 150,000 francs or have it renamed "Chemin Lauwiner." The village declined and filed a criminal complaint for abusive exploitation.
Local officials and lawyers have expressed frustration with Lauwiner's actions, stating that he is taking advantage of vulnerable situations. Loris Fabrizio Mainardi, a local lawyer, emphasized that Lauwiner's actions are not amusing and that he is pressuring people with his price demands. In contrast, Lauwiner maintains that he only charges a fee for maintenance and does not make a profit from the roads.
In response to Lauwiner's claims, Swiss cantons are moving to change the law, giving municipalities the first refusal on unclaimed land to prevent similar situations in the future. However, Lauwiner finds this urgency amusing, as he believes the most valuable plots have already been claimed. He also expressed that politicians are simply jealous that they did not have the idea to exploit the loophole.
Despite the controversy, Lauwiner is not retreating. In 2024, he ran for Burgdorf's city council under the name King Jonas Lauwiner, securing nearly 700 votes as an independent. He now aims to enter national politics, eyeing a seat in the national council or State Council. Lauwiner's vision for the future, however, is surprisingly low-key, as he hopes to eventually find peace and enjoy his life on a beach.
Key points
- Jonas Lauwiner claimed over 117,000 square meters of Swiss land using a loophole in the Swiss Civil Code.
- Lauwiner declared himself King Jonas I, symbolic monarch of Switzerland, in 2019.
- Swiss cantons are moving to change the law to prevent similar land claims in the future.
