Poikkeusoloihin

Poikkeusoloihin is the illative form of poikkeusolot, used to denote entry into a state of emergency within the Finnish crisis management system. It covers extraordinary situations such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or severe disruptions to essential services, where normal legal order may be temporarily insufficient.

In Finnish law, the Government can declare poikkeusolot under the poikkeuslaki (Emergency Powers Act) and related constitutional provisions. The declaration enables central coordination of authorities, rapid decision making, and the use of temporary measures to protect lives and safeguard critical functions.

The measures may include restrictions on movement and assembly, allocation of resources, requisitioning materials or services, and temporary changes in rules governing civil services or communications. Fundamental rights may be limited or suspended to the extent necessary and proportionate, under the safeguards provided by law.

The duration and scope of poikkeusoloihin are subject to oversight, with potential parliamentary review or renewal provisions, and the state of emergency is expected to be temporary and to end when normal conditions return.

Public and political debate surrounding poikkeusoloihin centers on balancing security and liberty, the legal safeguards in place, transparency during emergencies, and the risks of overreach or prolonged restrictions.