Thus envisions Kosovo Constitution proclaiming state of emergency

With this trend of people affected by a screwd-19, we should consider declaring the state of emergency. The Council of Mayors within the Kosovo Association of municipalities supports the new measures of the Government of Kosovo, including the state of emergency, in the struggle to prevent the spread of COVID 19 for the preservation of citizens' lives. The state of emergency does not imply paralysing of business and institutions, but gives relevant institutions authorisations to take rapid and flexible measures prior to the created” situation, Hoti wrote on Facebook.

Despite that, the Kosovo Constitution reportedly states that the state of emergency can be declared by the president of the country.

“When it needs emergency defence measures, when there is internal danger to constitutional order or public security, and when there is natural disaster, which affects the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo or a part of it”.

The constitution says restrictions on rights and freedoms are made as little as necessary.

During the extraordinary situation, the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo is not suspended. Restrictions on the rights and freedoms guaranteed with this Constitution are made only to the necessary degree, as short as necessary and in full accordance with this Constitution. During the extraordinary situation, the law on the elections of the Parliament and the municipalities cannot be changed”.

Under the constitution, the state of emergency cannot last more than 60 days.

“The state of emergency lasts as long as it continues to threaten danger and cannot last more than 60 days. With the consent of most of the deputies in the country present and voting, the emergency situation, if necessary, could be extended for the following period of 30 days, but no more than for 90 additional days in total”.

Article 131 of the Kosovo Constitution for the state of emergency: