Fiscal performance in Latin America looks much improved this decade compared to the 1980s or 1990s. Is this a "structural" improvement or likely to be transitory? This paper answers this question by estimating the relationship between non-commodity revenue and the economic cycle, and evaluating...

This paper aims to clarify possible systemic bottlenecks to the introduction of advanced PFM reforms in the SEE countries. It relates key fiscal developments to PFM reform processes over the last 15 years. PFM reform strategies must be realistic, with clear objectives and timetables, and with...

This paper critically reviews recent work regarding the sustainability of public debt. It argues that Debt Sustainability Analyses (DSAs) should be more than mere mechanical simulation exercises. Instead, a DSA should be linked to some objective regarding the distribution of fiscal burdens and...

The recent relatively high levels of global oil prices have led to a significant improvement in the public finances of several hydrocarbon-exporting countries. However, despite the increase in fiscal buffers, medium-term risks remain high. Fiscal vulnerabilities have increased as a consequence...

Intro -- Contents -- I. INTRODUCTION -- II. FISCAL DEVELOPMENTS IN PERSPECTIVE -- III. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR QUANTIFYING QUASI-FISCAL ACTIVITIES -- IV. THE SCOPE AND COVERAGE OF QUASI-FISCAL ACTIVITIES -- V. QUASI- FISCAL ACTIVITIES AND THE FISCAL POSITION -- VI. POLICY IMPLICATIONS AND...

Intro -- Contents -- I. INTRODUCTION -- II. BACKGROUND -- III. DECENTRALIZATION AND OVERALL FISCAL CONSTRAINTS -- IV. LEGAL FRAMEWORK -- V. ASSIGNMENTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY -- VI. CONCLUSIONS -- References.

Intro -- Contents -- I. INTRODUCTION -- II. FISCAL PERFORMANCE IN ISRAEL -- III. THE MODEL -- IV. FISCAL CONSOLIDATION: NOW VERSUS LATER -- V. TAX CUTS -- VI. CONCLUSION -- APPENDIX. CALIBRATION OF GFM -- REFERENCES.

Accounting devices that artificially reduce the measured fiscal deficit can be analyzed as transactions involving unrecognized assets and liabilities. Different accounting systems recognize different sets of assets and liabilities and are thus vulnerable to different sets of devices. Some...

Can an accrual budgeting system-a system in which budgetary spending authorizations to line ministries are formulated in accrual terms-serve the needs of good fiscal policy? If so, how must such a system be designed? What are the practical challenges which may arise in implementing sound fiscal...

Fiscal impulse measures are used in the WEO and elsewhere to indicate the changing impact of the budget on the economy. Such measures are intended to provide more accurate indications of whether the budget is becoming more or less expansionary than would just observing moments in the actual...