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Government spending efficiency in Latin America

Author

Listed:
  • António Afonso
  • Gabriela Baquero Fraga

Abstract

We assess the public spending efficiency of 20 Latin American countries over the period of 2000-2019, computing Data Envelopment Analysis efficiency scores. For the Public Sector Performance composite indicator, we use the annual data of socio-economic indicators, and for the input measure we consider Total Public Spending as a percentage of GDP, by spending category. The results show that public spending during the period under study increased, but that overall governments were not efficient, as on average they could have used 27% less spending to achieve the same levels of performance. On the other hand, governments could have increased their performance by 18% whilst maintaining the same level of spending. The most-efficient countries were Chile, Guatemala, Panama, and Paraguay, with the least efficient being Bolivia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Suriname, and Brazil.

Suggested Citation

  • António Afonso & Gabriela Baquero Fraga, 2022. "Government spending efficiency in Latin America," Working Papers REM 2022/0250, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, REM, Universidade de Lisboa.
    • Handle: RePEc:ise:remwps:wp02502022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. António Afonso & João Tovar Jalles & Ana Venâncio, 2021. "Structural Tax Reforms and Public Spending Efficiency," Open Economies Review, Springer, vol. 32(5), pages 1017-1061, November.
    2. repec:idb:brikps:9152 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Ribeiro, Marcio Bruno, 2008. "Eficiência do gasto público na América Latina: uma análise comparativa a partir do modelo semi-paramétrico com estimativa em dois estágios," Gestión Pública 7329, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    4. António Afonso & João Tovar Jalles & Ana Venâncio, 2021. "Taxation and Public Spending Efficiency: An International Comparison," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 63(3), pages 356-383, September.
    5. Yobouet Thierry Bienvenu Gnangoin & Liangsheng Du & GuyRoland Assamoi & Akadje JeanRoland Edjoukou & Diby François Kassi, 2019. "Public Spending, Income Inequality and Economic Growth in Asian Countries: A Panel GMM Approach," Economies, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-15, November.
    6. Verhoeven, Marijn & Clements, Benedict J. & Faircloth, Christopher, 2007. "Public expenditure in Latin America: trends and key policy issues," Revista CEPAL, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), December.
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    8. Mr. Benedict J. Clements & Christopher Faircloth & Marijn Verhoeven, 2007. "Public Expenditure in Latin America: Trends and Key Policy Issues," IMF Working Papers 2007/021, International Monetary Fund.
    9. António Afonso & Miguel St. Aubyn, 2004. "Non-parametric Approaches to Education and Health Expenditure Efficiency in OECD Countries," Working Papers Department of Economics 2004/01, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, Department of Economics, Universidade de Lisboa.
    10. Pessino, Carola & Izquierdo, Alejandro & Vuletin, Guillermo, 2018. "Better Spending for Better Lives: How Latin America and the Caribbean Can Do More with Less," IDB Publications (Books), Inter-American Development Bank, number 9152, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    government efficiency; Data Envelopment Analysis; government spending; Latin America;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General

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