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On the Long-Term Macroeconomic Effects of Social Security Spending: Evidence for 12 EU Countries

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  • Jorge Miguel Lopo Gonçalves Andraz

    (Faculdade de Economia, Universidade do Algarve e CEFAGE-UÉ)

Abstract

We estimate the long-term impact of social security and social protection spending in a set of twelve EU countries. We estimate country-specific VARs relating GDP, unemployment, savings, and social spending. We find that social spending has a negative effect in most countries while the effects on savings are either not significant or positive but small. In turn, the negative effects on output are significant and in some cases large. Unemployment is the dominant channel through which social spending affects output. Our results imply that any increase in generosity would, under the current situation, bring detrimental macroeconomic effects. In addition, a less distortionary tax mix should be used to finance redistributive spending and the insurance component of the systems should be changed in the direction of a capitalization regime based on defined contributions. Obviously, this transition would take time and would not be costless but neither is maintaining the status quo.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Miguel Lopo Gonçalves Andraz, 2014. "On the Long-Term Macroeconomic Effects of Social Security Spending: Evidence for 12 EU Countries," CEFAGE-UE Working Papers 2014_08, University of Evora, CEFAGE-UE (Portugal).
    • Handle: RePEc:cfe:wpcefa:2014_08
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social security spending; Unemployment; Saving; Output; Fiscal multipliers; VAR; EU.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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