Avni Orllati: 'They Say I Have Great Power and Influence. That Is Not the Case.'

Avni Orllati, a key player in Switzerland's construction sector, has spoken out to refute claims of possessing substantial power and influence. Orllati, who oversees a business group with approximately 1,300 employees, has built a significant enterprise centered in the Vaud region. His operations encompass demolition, construction, quarrying, waste management, and increasingly, real estate development.

Orllati, who describes himself as a self-made man, began his career as an immigrant from Kosovo. Despite his success, he has frequently been the subject of controversy. A recent investigation by Blick alleged that the Orllati group has been acquiring agricultural land, designated for farmers, through companies composed of Orllati employees and local farmers.

In the interview with Le Temps, Orllati acknowledged his practice of signing agreements with farmers to extract sand and gravel from their fields, materials essential for concrete production. He also admitted to using these fields to dispose of construction waste. From his headquarters in Bioley-Orjulaz, Orllati chose to address these issues, seeking to clarify his position amidst the ongoing scrutiny.