Poikkeuslain

Poikkeuslaki, or the Emergency Powers Act, is the Finnish legal framework for temporary measures during extraordinary circumstances to safeguard national security and the continued functioning of essential public services. It grants the government powers beyond normal procedures to manage a crisis, including restrictions on movement, assembly, and other civil liberties, and the ability to direct production and distribution of essential goods and services.

The act specifies that emergency powers may be invoked in situations such as war, external aggression, or other exceptionally severe threats. Any use of the provisions is time-limited and subject to parliamentary oversight. It sets procedures for declaring an emergency, determining the duration of measures, and monitoring and limiting the scope of restrictions. The framework is designed to operate within Finland’s constitutional order and includes safeguards to prevent arbitrary use.

Rights may be restricted only to the extent necessary and proportionate to the threat, with mechanisms for judicial review and parliamentary scrutiny to prevent abuse. The act is part of a broader system of crisis preparedness that includes civil defense, security services, and continuity planning for critical infrastructure.

Debate surrounding Poikkeuslaki centers on balancing national security with civil liberties, the risk of executive overreach, and the appropriate sunset and oversight mechanisms to ensure temporary emergency measures do not become permanent. Proponents emphasize enhanced resilience in crises, while critics stress the importance of robust checks and transparent oversight.