The Lauwiner Empire has a constitution, an anthem, a bank, and most importantly a [website](https://www.empire-gov.com/) where you can find all about the many benefits of citizenship (my favourite: “Any time the sovereign of the Lauwiner Empire releases a speech you will receive an email”).

My question to you r/Switzerland: what’s going on here?

Is it a clever scheme for evading taxes? A next-level stunt for grabbing attention? Or just plain old delusions of grandeur?

Whatever your view, don’t miss out on the King’s [coronation video](https://youtu.be/ak9Xwm_MUFI).

10 comments

  1. Satire. Guy sure still pays taxes where he owns land and property. Owning a bunch of small plots *inside* other countries hardly makes for an independent country. Also, I feel that calling yourself emperor is a bit much and the website is clearly intentionally amateurish enough for the laughs.

  2. He claims to be a descendant of Eadgifu of Wessex.

    That alone should tell you this can’t be serious. Or that he’s delusional.

  4. Classic micronation clickbait. If you fancy, feel free to pay a small fee for the citizenship. There are some more in Switzerland (like the Gersau republic and a growing gang imported from Germany, the Reichsbürger).

  5. There are several cases of people in Switzerland who created some tiny micronations on 1 square meter in Switzerland. But it is mainly satire.

    The reason why they can’t work is the UN Völkerrecht (international law). To become chsnge the assignment of a territory, you must get the ok from the original owner to cast a vote. Only if succeeded, you can change assignment.

    Example 1: Vorarlberg, a part of Austria wanted to become a Swiss canton. Austria allowed them to cast a vote. However, Switzerland made a veto and decided not to accept Vorarlberg independend from the result. Vorarlberg is still part of Austria.

    Example 2: The peninsula of Crimea voted to belong to Russia. However, they never received the ok from Ukraine to cast such vote. The UN acknowledges Crimea still as an official part of Ukraine because the vote violated international law.

    Example 3: The canton of Jura received the ok from France to cast a vote if they want to belong to France or Switzerland. Switzerland agreed to accept the outcome. After Jura voted for Switzerland, both countries made the change official. The UN recognized the change because it followed international law.

    And to answer your question: While there are legal ways to create a kingdom within Switzerland according to UN laws and get official recognition, it is also highly unlikely to succeed. Monarchically organized principalities like Liechtenstein, Monaco or Andorra have established themselves already centuries ago. You would have hard times to compete with their offerings and likely run out of money within a decade.

  6. Hey, would have been something.. but then the Constitution reads “we the people, with the help of God..”

    Yup. I’m out.

  8. oh there is a oil platform in fron of the UK where there is actually someone playing king for real. you can even buy titles.

  9. I’ve considered appointing myself King a few times, but then realized that managing my Kingdom would require a lot of staff and a lot of work, so I stayed at my job. Much easier. And I can go to Cafe de Paris without much fuss or fanfare.

  10. Funny how the “Diplomatic relations” part of the website is empty.

    Also: What kind of micronation doesn’t issue Passports in the year 2021? You can apply for citizenship but there isn’t a passport. Weak move on their side.

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