What is the difference between alarm status and site exception?
In these uncertain times, it is important to understand the differences between the different states of emergency that a government can declare. In Spain, two of these states are the state of alarm and the site exception. Although both allow the Government to take drastic actions to protect its citizens, there are important differences in what each allows and the circumstances under which they can be declared.
State of alarm:
The state of alarm is the most commonly used state of emergency in Spain. The objective of declaring a state of alarm is to allow the government to take quick and decisive action in a national emergency situation. The state of alarm can be declared in situations such as a pandemic, a natural disaster or an armed conflict. During the state of alarm, the government can take measures such as restricting freedom of movement, closing businesses or limiting the right to assembly.
Actions allowed during the alarm state:
- Restrict the freedom of movement of citizens
- Close businesses and other establishments
- Limit the right of assembly
- Implement curfews
- Require citizens to wear masks and other means of personal protection
Site exception:
The site exception is the most extreme state of emergency that can be declared in Spain. It can only be declared in situations where the territorial integrity or independence of the country is threatened. The siege exception may be declared in cases of war, insurrection or rebellion. During the siege exception, the government can take even more drastic measures than in the state of alarm. These measures may include a complete militarization of the country, the suspension of all civil rights and the extension of the term of detention indefinitely.
Actions allowed during site exception:
- Suspension of all civil rights
- Extension of the detention period for an indefinite period
- Complete militarization of the country
- Establishment of military courts
In summary, while the state of alarm is a more commonly used state of emergency that allows the government to take quick action in a national emergency situation, the siege exception is a more extreme state of emergency that can only be declared in situations where those in which the territorial integrity or independence of the country is threatened. It is important to understand the difference between the two in order to understand what measures the government can take in an emergency situation and what rights the citizen may have during each state.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.