We investigate the development of an innovative and high-risk type of borrowing for local governments, known as structured loans. Using transaction data for more than 2,700 local governments in France, we show that the adoption of these instruments is more frequent for politicians from highly...

This paper aims at questioning the link between local finances and the economic dynamism of cities. This issue is based on the frequently stressed cases (by the media) of uncontrolled expenses of cities, increased level of local taxes and negative effects on local economics. Therefore, as a...

Achieving fiscal convergence between countries of a monetary union helps in the design and implementation of policies to strengthen macroeconomic convergence, which mitigates the contagion effects of macroeconomic instability and ensures the long-term viability of the proposed union. This paper...

Achieving fiscal convergence between countries of a monetary union helps in the design and implementation of policies to strengthen macroeconomic convergence, which mitigates the contagion effects of macroeconomic instability and ensures the long-term viability of the proposed union. This paper...

This contribution is highlighted the quite striking paradox between the dominant discourse over the last twenty years or so, calling on the State to reduce its role, and the stability or even inertia of the major macroeconomic aggregates (public spending to GDP, tax burden), the permanent budget...

The Atkinson Report examined measurement of public services' output and productivity. Traditionally, only inputs to the government sector were reflected in the National Accounts. This treatment imposed zero productivity growth for the government sector. From the late 1990s, the United Kingdom...

The level of government debt in Canada relative to gross domestic product has risen steadily since the mid-1970s. Canada has not been alone in experiencing rising government indebtedness, but in comparison to other countries, Canada's debt load is now distinctly on the high side. The author...

French abstract: L’article a pour finalité de déconstruire le concept de « dette publique », en prenant la « dette publique » comme objet d’étude en zone euro. Pour ce faire, l’article emprunte au holisme méthodologique, aux questions de souveraineté monétaire, à la...

France has a track record of persistent general government deficits, partly reflecting pro-cyclical fiscal policies in upswings. This has resulted in a quadrupling of its public debt-to-GDP ratio since the 1970s to above 80% of GDP. Reducing public debt is crucial because a high level of public...