Perusvapaus

Perusvapaus is a Finnish term used in legal and political discourse to describe the essential liberties that protect an individual’s autonomy from state interference. It overlaps with the formal concept of perusoikeudet (fundamental rights) but is often used to denote the most basic or core freedoms within that framework. In everyday and scholarly language, perusvapaudet include freedoms commonly regarded as foundational to democratic society, such as freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of expression; freedom of assembly and association; and the right to privacy and to control one’s own information and home life. The concept may also be invoked to discuss related rights, such as property rights and freedom of movement, depending on the context.

Legal basis and scope are grounded in Finland’s constitutional order. The fundamental rights protected by the Finnish Constitution (perustuslaki) are the primary source of these liberties, and their guarantee is reinforced by Finland’s international obligations, including the European Convention on Human Rights and other human rights treaties to which Finland is a party. The term perusvapaus is frequently used in legal commentaries and public debates as a shorthand for assessing how well these core freedoms are upheld in legislation, administrative practice, and judicial decisions.

Limitations and safeguards are also central to the concept. Core freedoms may be restricted only by law and to the extent necessary, proportionate, and justified by purposes such as protecting public order, safety, health, or the rights of others. Perusvapaus thus serves as a benchmark for balancing individual liberties with broader social interests in Finnish constitutional democracy.