Hätämäärät

Hätämäärät are temporary emergency measures implemented in Finland under specific circumstances. These measures are designed to protect public order and safety when a serious threat exists. The legal basis for hätämäärät is found in the Emergency Powers Act, which outlines the conditions under which such measures can be invoked and the powers that can be granted.

The Finnish government, typically the Council of State, can decide to implement hätämäärät. This decision is made when there is an imminent and significant danger that cannot be adequately addressed by ordinary means. The purpose is to restore or maintain public order and security.

Hätämäärät can include a range of actions. These might involve restricting public gatherings, imposing curfews in specific areas, controlling movement of people, or limiting the use of certain communication channels. The scope and intensity of the measures depend on the nature and severity of the threat. They are intended to be temporary and proportionate to the situation.

The implementation of hätämäärät is subject to parliamentary oversight. The government must inform Parliament of the decision and its justification. The measures can be extended only with parliamentary approval. Once the threat has subsided, the hätämäärät must be lifted without delay. The concept of hätämäärät is a crucial element of Finland's preparedness for extraordinary situations, balancing the need for swift action with the protection of fundamental rights.