As is well known, COVID-19 is highly contagious and has a higher mortality rate among at-risk groups than other similar viruses. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) the first contagion case was registered in late February 2020 and by April 20 the number of people infected was 100,000-plus, with 5,300 dead. Unfortunately, these figures quickly became outdated. The outburst … [Read more...] about Policy and fiscal management during the pandemic and post-pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean
Subnational governments and coronavirus: five critical actions the IDB is supporting
Subnational governments (SNGs) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. Their proximity to the population and to its needs and demands gives them a prime opportunity to gain early first-hand knowledge of the crisis’s evolution. In the region’s large countries, SNGs are directly responsible for the health response[1], managing … [Read more...] about Subnational governments and coronavirus: five critical actions the IDB is supporting
Solving the State-Owned Enterprises Puzzle in Latin America and the Caribbean
The state-owned enterprise (SOEs) sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is struggling financially and suffering from political intervention. More than 40% of such enterprises have reported annual losses for several consecutive years in the past decade. The crisis has had important, and sometimes de-stabilizing impacts in the region. For example, heavy losses at … [Read more...] about Solving the State-Owned Enterprises Puzzle in Latin America and the Caribbean
How to decentralize Chile in a fiscally responsible way
Chile remains one of the more centralized unitary countries within the OECD and also among emerging markets. Regional governments have traditionally been deconcentrated arms of the central government, with virtually non-existent own revenues. Municipalities have also a more limited range of responsibilities than is typical internationally. Successive governments of different … [Read more...] about How to decentralize Chile in a fiscally responsible way