There is a widespread belief that fiscal rules hinder public investment. The reasoning is straightforward: to adhere to these rules, governments often must reduce spending, particularly on infrastructure projects, which are not deemed essential in the short term. But is that really the case? New evidence from Europe, emerging markets and Latin America shows otherwise. … [Read more...] about Unveiling the Truth: How Sticking to Fiscal Rules Boosts Investment in Latin America
fiscal rules
Are Latin American and Caribbean Countries Complying with Their Fiscal Rules?
Over the past two decades, a growing number of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries began adopting fiscal rules to limit overspending influenced by election cycles, public pressure, and other political economy factors, helping the region strengthen its fiscal solvency and sustainability. However, in recent years the region has suffered several external shocks that … [Read more...] about Are Latin American and Caribbean Countries Complying with Their Fiscal Rules?
The institutional trilogy of fiscal discipline
In response to the international crisis of 2008 and the ending of the commodities super cycle (circa 2013), the countries of Latin America reacted with countercyclical policies to tackle the impacts of the global economic downturn. In fact, Latin America’s average fiscal balances deteriorated, from -0.3 percent of GDP in 2006 to -3.6 percent in 2017. Hence fiscal rules (FRs) … [Read more...] about The institutional trilogy of fiscal discipline