Jonas Lauwiner, a 31-year-old Swiss man of Moroccan descent who describes himself as the “King of Switzerland,” has drawn attention after claiming dozens of ownerless land parcels across the country.
According to reports, Lauwiner has acquired about 148 plots covering roughly 117,000 square meters by using a legal provision that allows genuinely ownerless land to be claimed through local authorities.
While his self-proclaimed title has no legal standing, his land acquisitions do, raising concerns among residents, municipalities and policymakers.
Much of the criticism stems from the nature of the parcels involved. Many are not remote or insignificant plots, but roads, access points and small yet strategically located pieces of land that can affect local infrastructure and development.
Critics say Lauwiner has used these acquisitions to demand maintenance contributions, restrict access or gain leverage in local disputes.
According to reports, Lauwiner maintains that his actions are lawful and reflect a transparent use of existing legal mechanisms.
The situation is linked to Article 658 of the Swiss Civil Code, which allows for the appropriation of genuinely ownerless land.
The case has prompted political debate in Switzerland, with some authorities calling for legal reforms. In the canton of Jura, officials are considering changes that would give municipalities a right of first refusal on ownerless land before it can be claimed by private individuals.
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