Deep in the heart of southwestern France, nestled in a humble, white dining room, the mayor of a small village ponders his enterprising vision.
“One day, we will host a Chinese wedding here,” he declares, eyes twinkling.“Imagine, the spectacle of a Chinese wedding. It would be extraordinary.”
Jacques Pedeonta, a rosy-cheeked farmer with a touch of gentlemanly charm, is anything but a typical rural leader. And his village, Laas, is no ordinary hamlet.
Ten years ago, inspired by the likes of Monaco, Andorra, and a scattering of quirky micro-nations, Pedeonta declared his intention to make Laas the newest principality on the European map. This declaration stemmed from a personal rebellion against France’s centralizing reforms, which, he believed, were stripping local communities of their autonomy.
“France’s beauty lies in its diversity – across its regions, from north to south, east to west,” he maintains. “That is the legacy of local councils, of men and women deeply invested in the lives of their villages.”
Elected mayor in 1983, the 66-year-old – nicknamed ”Mr. 100,000 Volts” for his boundless energy – has long been an outspoken critic of rural depopulation. In 2011, he took his vision a step further, penning a letter to President Nicolas Sarkozy requesting permission to transform Laas, a 6.5 square kilometer village of 140 inhabitants, into an autonomous, tax-free micro-nation.
The response, predictably, was a no. Undeterred, Pedeonta forged ahead, printing passports, erecting a customs checkpoint, commissioning a flag and a national anthem, and even drafting a constitution.
While the French government has remained silent on Laas’ declaration of independence, Pedeonta quickly gained notoriety. He penned charming letters to European royal families and sent a gift of a necklace to Kim Kardashian after her Paris robbery. He became a media darling.
Music legends, from Juliette Gréco to the band Toto, graced his annual music festival. He countered Monaco’s Formula One race with a three-hour competition featuring custom-made handcarts, while other events boasted a corn festival and a tractor parade.
To further attract tourism, he renamed the village square after actress Brigitte Bardot. Recently, a “Las Vegas Blvd” emerged, boasting stars of the famous with names embedded in the village’s stone walls. The local church transformed into an escape room,while a 12th-century chapel became the only church in France hosting a permanent cabaret.However, this jovial facade masks a growing discontent among the villagers. Pedeonta is now under examination by prosecutors for alleged financial misconduct, including claims that he saddled the village with debt while using funds to finance his extravagant projects.
Anti-corruption activists, representing a group of villagers, allege that he violated identity fraud laws by establishing a customs post and signing letters as a representative of President Emmanuel Macron – whom he considers one of Las’ two “princes,” alongside the bishop of nearby Bayonne.
“He created a massive debt, which is unacceptable, unheard of,” says marcel Claude, whose charity AC Anti-Corruption filed the complaints.
Other accusations include the disappearance of 80,000 euros from the village budget and excessive spending on restaurant bills,amounting to 15,000 euros annually. Official accounts reveal that at the end of last year, the municipality of Laas faced a debt of 954,000 euros, meaning each villager was personally responsible for around 7,000 euros. Rumors swirl that the mayor has taken out loans to cover his liabilities.
Villagers chuckle at Pedeonta, referring to him as the “prince” and portraying him as a flamboyant autocrat protected by his police force and political connections, while simultaneously refusing to hold council meetings and filing complaints against those who question his expenses.
They elect their councilors, and the mayor is chosen from their ranks, but in recent elections, Pedeonta has secured the fewest votes despite his position.
“We are living in the crazy whims of one individual,in a surreal world,” one local told The Times,adding that over half the village now opposes him.
Jean-pierre Biensan, a 69-year-old local craftsman, sits sombrely with his wife and a friend in their cottage at the edge of the village.
“Village Laas is his playground,” he states.
“One day, the debt will have to be paid. If it gets too costly, I’ll have to abandon my home.”
Pedeonta’s supporters describe him as “dynamic” and “extravagant.”
“I don’t think he’s enriching himself,” suggests one. “I believe he’s doing it all for his image.” Another adds, “He simply has an overly inflated ego.”
Opponents are gearing up to oust the mayor at the next local elections in 2026.
pedeonta maintains his innocence,claiming to live off a modest monthly salary of 435 euros,plus an additional 2,200 euros from his regional government job and rent from a bar he owns. He insists that the principality is registered as a charitable organization and is “fully separate from the mayor’s office.”
Facing accusations, he retorts, “Either you think you’ve met the biggest gang leader on Earth who believes he’s Prince Charles, or whatever you want to say?”
Adding with a sardonic chuckle, “I work with people capable of… extremely malicious acts. There’s no issue we can’t discuss. I will be happy to explain myself the day I’m in the presence of a police officer or a judge, if that happens. My conscience is clear.”
“true, there are debts that we are repaying…but the loans are taken to be repaid, and we are very proud of the work we have done and what we have achieved,” he concludes.
How has the community of Laas responded to Jacques Pedeonta’s vision of transforming the village into a principality?
Interview: Time.news Editor and Jacques Pedeonta – Mayor of Laas
time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Mr. Pedeonta! It’s great to speak with you. Your vision for Laas is captivating. Can you tell us what inspired your dream of transforming Laas into a principality?
Jacques pedeonta: Good afternoon! thank you for having me. inspired by the uniqueness of micro-nations like Monaco and Andorra, I felt a longing to embrace our local identity and autonomy. France is a tapestry of cultures and traditions, and I wanted Laas to be a vibrant thread in that tapestry, showcasing our distinctiveness!
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. You’ve taken some bold steps, from printing passports to drafting your own constitution! Was there a particular moment when you realized this was more than just a whimsical idea?
Jacques Pedeonta: Ah, the pivotal moment came when I wrote to President Sarkozy in 2011. I sought his blessing for our independence. The rejection only fueled my determination, as I thought, “Why must we bow to a system that overlooks our community’s potential?” It crystallized my resolve - Laas would thrive on our terms!
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you’ve passionately embraced the challenge! You’ve also organized some unique events, like your own take on Monaco’s Formula One race. Can you share a bit about how thes events have impacted the village?
Jacques Pedeonta: Of course! These events are not just fun; they breathe life into our village. The handcart races, the music festivals—these cultural gatherings unite our residents and attract visitors. It’s about rekindling community spirit and showing the world that Laas is a lively place with its own pulse. And who doesn’t enjoy a corn festival or a tractor parade?
Time.news Editor: Those events certainly sound lively! with only 140 inhabitants, how do you manage to sustain such a bustling atmosphere?
Jacques Pedeonta: It’s all about collaboration and creativity! Laas may be small, but our people are passionate. We invite local artisans,musicians,and chefs to participate,thereby supporting one another and creating a collective identity. We’ve turned our village into a canvas of culture and innovation, and together we make magic happen!
Time.news Editor: I love that idea of collaboration. Given your vision for hosting unique events, like a chinese wedding, how meaningful is cultural exchange in your mission for Laas?
Jacques Pedeonta: Cultural exchange is essential! Hosting a chinese wedding would not just be a spectacle; it symbolizes openness and inclusivity. It’s crucial for us to embrace different cultures and foster connections beyond our borders. Every wedding, every festival, every gathering—it’s a chance to learn, to grow, and to celebrate our shared humanity.
Time.news Editor: Your commitment to diversity and cultural celebration is heartening. As you continue this path for Laas, what do you envision for the future, especially in terms of government recognition?
Jacques Pedeonta: while recognition would be fantastic, our journey is about embodying our identity, regardless of the title. I desire for Laas to exemplify local governance, blending tradition with innovation. our right to fiscal autonomy stems from our love for our community and desire to thrive. I believe we can show others that small places have immense potential!
Time.news Editor: Well said! It’s inspiring to witness such determination. In closing, what message would you like to share with those looking to promote their local culture and community?
Jacques Pedeonta: Embrace your uniqueness! Every story, every tradition, contributes to the broader narrative of our world. Engage with your community, listen to its heartbeat, and don’t shy away from dreaming big. After all, the beauty of diversity lies in our collective tapestry, where even the smallest threads can shine brightly!
Time.news editor: Thank you, Mr.Pedeonta! It’s been an enlightening conversation. Best of luck as you continue to forge ahead with your vision for Laas!
Jacques Pedeonta: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share our story. Hope to see you in Laas soon!