A state of emergency is a government declaration that due to some crisis, normal political and social activities in a given jurisdiction are suspended. Such declarations may alter government operations and suspend regular civil rights, such as the right to public assembly or freedom of movement. Moreover, they are often used to mobilize resources and personnel.
State emergencies grant state governments significant powers, but they are generally limited in scope and duration. States are also required to notify citizens and the media when such a declaration is made and to provide citizens with information about what steps they should take to protect themselves.
During a state of emergency, federal authorities can dispatch military and other personnel to help local governments. They can also ease certain regulatory requirements and change the legal repercussions of specific actions.
The Constitution of Albania allows the Parliament of the Republic to declare a state of emergency. The declaration must be approved by a simple majority of the members of the parliament and may be extended for no more than three months.
A state of emergency is typically declared when a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or an earthquake, or a human-caused disaster, such as a terrorist attack or a pandemic, is happening. In these cases, the traditional legislative paths that normally govern the way a government functions may be too slow to render aid in a timely manner. In addition, a state of emergency can provide the authorities with the ability to enforce curfews, institute rationing, or rapidly deploy its National Guard.
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