Il Covid-19, l’ultimo stress test per gli ordinamenti democratici: uno sguardo comparato

Abstract

Covid-19, the latest stress test for democratic systems: a comparative overview – This essay addresses the reactions of Western democracies to Covid-19. First, the analysis assesses the use of emergency powers to tackle the Coronavirus. Second, it takes into consideration the sources of law that were deployed to limit rights and freedoms, enshrined in constitutional texts, as well as courts’ decisions on these measures. Third, it examines the effects of Covid-19 responses on federalism and regionalism in Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.S. The concluding remarks highlight how Covid-19 is posing new challenges to contemporary constitutionalism and could be an opportunity to reopen a debate on the regulation of emergency.