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Impact of Fiscal Decentralization on Fiscal Stance in EU: Real Deal or Econometric Illusion?

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  • Siniša Mali

    (Technical University of Košice)

  • Lenka MaliCká

    (Technical University of Košice)

Abstract

This paper aims to examine how cyclically-adjusted primary balance (CAPB) in EU countries responded to the expenditure and tax decentralization. We contribute to the literature by three important conclusions. First, estimation results indicate that CAPB positively responded to expenditure decentralization, and negatively responded to tax decentralization. Second, fiscal decentralization seems to be driven by the determinants exogenous to primary balance. Third, variables deemed as the “good” instruments in the existing literature fail to explain within variations of the fiscal decentralization indicators. We hypothesized that negative impact of tax decentralization on the primary balance is transmitted through the government revenues, but further research is needed to resolve this puzzle

Suggested Citation

  • Siniša Mali & Lenka MaliCká, 2023. "Impact of Fiscal Decentralization on Fiscal Stance in EU: Real Deal or Econometric Illusion?," Hacienda Pública Española / Review of Public Economics, IEF, vol. 246(3), pages 71-99, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:hpe:journl:y:2023:v:246:i:3:p:71-99
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fiscal decentralization; Fiscal reaction function; Fiscal stance; EU.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H60 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - General
    • H71 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • H72 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Budget and Expenditures

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