Bulgaria declares state of emergency over COVID-19
PM Boyko Borissov called an emergency Cabinet meeting late Thursday night where he said the government will move to declare a state of emergency. The proposal was tabled in Parliament and voted unanimously (201 voted for the measure, none were against or abstained) the next morning.
The state of emergency will be enforced for one month. The initial intent of the government was to enact the state of emergency indefinitely but the opposition proposed a timeframe of a month, which the majority accepted. This is the first time a state of emergency is enacted since World War II. The government says the measure will help them take emergency and more drastic measures to control the spread of the coronavirus more swiftly.
This borderline situation gives the executive branch additional set of powers, but those are not unlimited. Under the constitution, citizens‘ fundamental rights cannot be violated under any circumstance, including a state of emergency. Under the Defense Act and the Natural Disaster Act – both legislations outline rules in a state of emergency – the authorities have the right to limit or ban mobility and travel. Any measures imposed by the state should be in line with the Geneva Conventions.
The PM told parliament after the vote that the specific measures under the state of emergency will be defined by the end of the week. They will include travel bans and shutting down borders, schools, universities, entertainment establishments. Working from home whenever possible, will also be included in the package of measures.
The scope of the travel ban will be decided on the basis of recommendations from the Health Ministry. The Foreign Ministry’s website will provide real time info concerning travel bans from Bulgaria.
The state of emergency will be enforced for one month. The initial intent of the government was to enact the state of emergency indefinitely but the opposition proposed a timeframe of a month, which the majority accepted. This is the first time a state of emergency is enacted since World War II. The government says the measure will help them take emergency and more drastic measures to control the spread of the coronavirus more swiftly.
This borderline situation gives the executive branch additional set of powers, but those are not unlimited. Under the constitution, citizens‘ fundamental rights cannot be violated under any circumstance, including a state of emergency. Under the Defense Act and the Natural Disaster Act – both legislations outline rules in a state of emergency – the authorities have the right to limit or ban mobility and travel. Any measures imposed by the state should be in line with the Geneva Conventions.
The PM told parliament after the vote that the specific measures under the state of emergency will be defined by the end of the week. They will include travel bans and shutting down borders, schools, universities, entertainment establishments. Working from home whenever possible, will also be included in the package of measures.
The scope of the travel ban will be decided on the basis of recommendations from the Health Ministry. The Foreign Ministry’s website will provide real time info concerning travel bans from Bulgaria.
Източник: mediapool.bg
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