MPs to debate state of emergency extension Tuesday

MPs will on Tuesday debate a government request to extend the current state of emergency until the end of May. The cabinet used their right to issue a 30-day state of emergency in early March, saying it was necessary to deal with the large influx of refugees from the war in Ukraine.

The government says if the legal instrument is not extended a system under which Ukrainian refugees can get accommodation via regional assistance centres would cease to function. Emergency purchases of essentials would also be impossible, says a government paper.

The coalition government has a comfortable majority in the lower house.