Hätätoimintalaki

Hätätoimintalaki, also known as the Emergency Powers Act, is a Finnish law that outlines the measures that can be taken by the government and authorities during exceptional circumstances. It provides a legal framework for responding to situations that threaten public order, national security, or the functioning of essential societal services. The act defines what constitutes an emergency and the powers that can be invoked, such as restricting movement, seizing property, or requisitioning resources.

The law's primary purpose is to ensure the continuity of society and protect its citizens when faced with severe threats. These threats can include natural disasters, widespread technical failures, pandemics, or acts of war. The Hätätoimintalaki is designed to be a last resort, to be used only when ordinary legal means are insufficient to manage a crisis.

Key provisions of the act include the conditions under which emergency powers can be declared, who has the authority to declare them, and the duration for which they remain in effect. It also details the procedural safeguards and oversight mechanisms in place to prevent the abuse of these exceptional powers. The law emphasizes that any measures taken must be proportionate to the threat and necessary for addressing the emergency. The exercise of these powers is subject to parliamentary scrutiny and judicial review.