[News] Italy extends coronavirus state of emergency until October

[SougarLord]

The virus continues to circulate. The extension of the state of emergency until October is inevitable. It would be inconsistent to abruptly suspend the effectiveness of the measures adopted. This is how Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has communicated, in a speech in the Senate, the need to maintain the state of emergency, which was decreed on January 31 for a period of six months. It therefore ends on July 31, but is extended in principle for another two and a half months, until October 15.

 

                           

 

Days ago, Prime Minister Conte suggested the idea of keeping the extension until the end of the year, but, in the face of strong opposition criticism, the government has chosen to reduce the period of the state of emergency. Even some constitutionalists have been very critical. This is the case of Professor Sabino Casesse, judge emeritus of the Constitutional Court, who has considered the measure as inappropriate and even illegitimate, because the emergency conditions in the country do not currently exist. Professor Casesse is opposed to too many powers being concentrated in the Prime Minister in the state of emergency. Faced with this type of objection, Giuseppe Conte has replied: The extension extension is a power expressly provided by law and can be activated when necessary, even after some time of the event. This need occurs almost always. This is demonstrated by several precedents.

 

Reasons

 

There are several reasons that have inclined the government to adopt this controversial decision. In Italy, it is feared that the next few months may be hot, with an increase in social conflicts due to the economic crisis, without ruling out a second wave of the coronavirus. In addition, half a dozen regions will have elections on September 20, which will significantly shake Italian politics. Hence, Conte prefers to have his hands free to adopt urgent measures through law decrees. The state of emergency is still necessary - Conte has highlighted - it constitutes the prerequisite for the activation of a series of powers and faculties necessary to face emergency situations effectively and quickly. In fact, the emergence of the coronavirus, even today, although contained and territorially limited, has not yet exhausted its effects, as Conte has acknowledged. The Prime Minister has also justified his decision due to the need to keep vigilance high, taking into account what is happening in neighboring countries: The international situation continues to be worrying and what is happening in nations close to us requires careful vigilance.