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Fiscal Rules in Good Times and Bad

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  • Christoph Peatz

    (Macroeconomic Policy Institute (IMK))

Abstract

I estimate fiscal reaction functions to analyze the cyclical behavior of discretionary measures in the euro area and the potential impact of changes in the fiscal framework. The core is to analyze whether fiscal rules have an asymmetric impact on discretionary measures over the cycle. First, results confirm the general perception that overall discretionary fiscal policy in the EMU is marginally procyclical. Procyclicality is, however, characterized by strong fiscal tightening in contractions while reactions in upturns are neutral. Second, fiscal rules marginally increase countercyclical policy responses in upturns, but strongly reinforce destabilizing procyclical polices in downturns. Interestingly, expenditure rules perform comparably better with regard to the stabilization objective than budget or debt rules.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Peatz, 2020. "Fiscal Rules in Good Times and Bad," IMK Working Paper 206-2020, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:imk:wpaper:206-2020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fiscal rules; fiscal reaction; fiscal cyclicality; debt sustainability; EMU;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E6 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H6 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt

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