Succeeding the conservative José Maria Aznar, the socialist Luis Rodriguez Zapatero became Prime Minister in March 2004. Economics? growth was strong with an important reduction of unemployment and a public deficit close to zero, but many imbalances were pointed out (low productivity, high...

As regards the frequently mentioned risks connected with the EU entry, we feel that the analyzed macroeconomic data do not confi rm that these risks have materialized. The example of the Czech Republic, which joined the EU in 2004, conversely points to an improvement of most macroeconomic...

Alan Peacock describes his entry into postwar British Economics, as an undergraduate at St. Andrews and a lecturer at London School of Economics. His personal involvement with, and development of, Public Economics is outlined.

The end of the 19th century was marked by several events which were extremely important to Portugal. The consequences of these events would later be responsible for the fall of the Monarchy and, thus, for the birth of the Republic. The first Republic was officially proclaimed on the 5th October...

Latin American experts demonstrate how market-friendly measures in key policy areas can promote greater equity and efficiency. By identifying win-win strategies, the authors challenge the conventional wisdom that there is always a tradeoff between these two objectives. This volume shows how...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review Under the Policy Support Instrument for Nigeria. All assessment criteria through end-September were met except for one civil service-related measure. Remedial measures have prevented the civil service reform program from being compromised....

The Slovak Republic’s 2005 Article IV Consultation reports that sound macroeconomic management and a wide range of fundamental structural reforms are supporting nominal convergence with European Union norms. Real GDP growth accelerated to 6 percent in 2005, driven by an improvement in the...

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 Joint Staff Advisory Note provides IMF staff’s assessment of the Moldova authorities’ first Annual Evaluation Report (AER), which covers the period from late 2004 to early 2006. Broadly, the AER provides a candid assessment of the accomplishments and shortcomings of the past...