Does it matter for the success of fiscal consolidation programmes that they are fair? This question has never been empirically addressed despite its profound importance especially since many developed countries have embarked on fiscal consolidation programmes, which in many cases have led to...

Substantial fiscal consolidation was achieved under the aegis of the 2003 Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act. While deficits widened anew in 2008 and 2009, against the backdrop of the global financial and economic crisis, efforts to reduce them have resumed since. To ensure...

Most countries now share the prospect of an extended period of public fiscal austerity. Yet at the same time the demands for improved public services continues. This paper reviews the relationship between expenditure restraint and reform. It describes three broad strategies for achieving...

Timor-Leste weathered the global financial crisis well and experienced healthy economic growth rates. It has made solid progress in strengthening the public financial management systems. The budget document provides comprehensive information; fiscal transparency is high. The Ministry of Finance...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that Georgia’s economy has performed well over the last two years, and the fiscal turnaround has been impressive. Since the change in government in late 2003, Georgia has demonstrated strong fiscal performance and a renewed commitment to press...

This First Review Under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI) for Nigeria reports that structural reforms are proceeding in line with the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy. The authorities’ commitments under the PSI primary objectives of the economic reform program...

This Article IV Consultation highlights that Senegal is pursuing its macroeconomic policies within an economic program supported by the IMF’s Policy Support Instrument (PSI). Executive Directors noted that signs of a recovery have become visible, and emphasized that prudent domestic...

This paper discusses key findings of the 2005 Status Report on Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) on Niger. The report is based on an assessment of economic and financial performance and sectoral policy and strategy implementation in 2005. The findings reveal that implementation of the...

This paper presents key findings of the Annual Progress Report (APR) on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) for Guinea. Conditions for implementing the Poverty Reduction Strategy were particularly difficult in 2004, and were marked by: persistent insecurity in the subregion; low levels...

A number of initiatives begun in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) remain incomplete and need to be further implemented in the new PRSP. Executive Directors recommend institutionalization of the PRSP process as a comprehensive approach to overall public policymaking. Strengthened...