Self-proclaimed king charges tolls to the people
Switzerland is known, in a political sense, as an example of "direct democracy," where citizens decide on many issues of social order in referendums. However, a person has appeared in this country who calls himself a "king."
TL;DR
- Jonas Lauviner declared himself 'King of Switzerland' after acquiring over 117,000 square meters of land.
- He exploited a Swiss law allowing citizens to claim land with no official owner.
- Lauviner now charges tolls on roads he owns and 'building rights' on adjacent land.
- He also charged 'maintenance fees' for houses on land he acquired.
- Lauviner demanded over 160,000 Euros from a local council to give back a road, requesting it be named after him.
- Swiss cantons are changing laws to give local councils the right to refuse claims on abandoned land.