This Selected Issues paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the fiscal framework of Sweden, and discusses some guidelines for their modification. It describes the Swedish experience under the new fiscal framework, and documents the increasing expenditure profile during the economic boom....

This paper examines Azerbaijan Republic’s 2004 Article IV Consultation and Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility. A long-term oil revenue management strategy has been adopted by the authorities, targeting a path of non-oil deficits over the medium term that seeks...

This report examines the Observance of Standards and Codes on Fiscal Transparency for Croatia. The assessment reveals that Croatia meets the fiscal transparency code in a number of areas and has been making significant progress in strengthening fiscal management and transparency. The allocation...

The staff report for the 2005 Article IV Consultation on Portugal highlights economic developments and outlook. Private consumption has proven resilient, reflecting low interest rates and lengthening tenors on bank lending, while investment and export growth remained weak. Executive Directors...

This paper examines Mozambique’s First Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Mozambique’s performance in 2004 relative to the main macroeconomic objectives of the PRGF-supported program was satisfactory. The fiscal...

Burkina Faso’s Second and Third Reviews Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Requests for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria are examined. Fiscal policy for 2005 aims at preserving social sector outlays while ensuring that the external debt burden falls....

This paper focuses on Niger’s Request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Authorities’ reform program for 2005–07 focuses on fiscal consolidation; public and financial sector reforms; and development of social and priority...

The staff report for the 2004 Article IV Consultation on Denmark focuses on economic developments and policies. Labor market reforms led to a sustained increase in structural employment, while careful fiscal policy in the context of a clear medium-term sustainability strategy delivered budget...

The staff report for the 2005 Article IV Consultation on the Republic of Latvia highlights the economic outlook and mid-term risks. A sound policy framework and far-reaching structural reforms supported this performance, including a prudent fiscal policy that underpinned the exchange rate peg....

This report presents an Ex Post Assessment of Albania’s Longer-Term-Program Engagement with the IMF. Albania has been engaged in a series of IMF-supported programs since the beginning of transition. This report provides an overview of economic developments and the overall role of the IMF...