Sotilasvalta

Sotilasvalta, a Finnish term, translates to "military rule" or "military government." It refers to a situation where the military exercises supreme authority in a country, often following a coup d'état or a period of severe political instability. In such regimes, the military leadership assumes control of the government, suspending or significantly altering existing constitutional and legal frameworks.

The establishment of sotilasvalta typically involves the military taking over key government institutions, including legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Civil liberties are often curtailed, and political dissent is suppressed. The stated objectives for implementing military rule can vary, but commonly include restoring order, combating corruption, or defending the nation against perceived external or internal threats.

Historically, military rule has occurred in various countries around the world, including in Finland during certain periods of unrest. The duration and nature of sotilasvalta can differ greatly. Some military governments have been short-lived, handing power back to civilian authorities relatively quickly. Others have persisted for years, enacting significant political and economic reforms. The legitimacy and impact of military rule remain subjects of debate, with criticisms often focusing on the erosion of democratic principles and human rights.