Personal Interests Blocking Synergy

The Patriziato's letter (26.02.2007) proposed a public co-purchase of Casa Shanti to protect the Eranos heritage, but the Foundation had already sold it to Laiping Fok/van Praag (wife of John van Praag, president of the Foundation Board) for CHF 2 million by the 17.03.2007 deadline.

Documented conflicting interests:

Van Praag family: Laiping Fok buys Casa Shanti (20% of the property) due to "financial urgency," but then renovates it (CHF 800k+) and keeps it private.
Mixed Foundation Board: Members with ties to the Canton/Municipality approve the sale without a public tender, raising doubts from the federal supervisory authority.
Timing: The Patriziato writes on 26.02. No public coordination.

Result: Public synergy failed; the van Praag family consolidated real estate control. The 2019 trial alleges breach of trust (not publicly resolved). Family interests prevail over the public interest.