Public investment spending declined steadily in advanced economies during the last three decades. Germany is a case in point where the aggregate decline coincided with growing inequality in investments across districts. What explains variation in local investment spending? We assembled a novel...

Public investment spending declined steadily in advanced economies during the last three decades. Germany is a case in point where the aggregate decline coincided with growing inequality in investments across districts. What explains the variation in local investment spending? We assembled a...

This paper analyses the shortcomings of the current budget rules for the Bundesländer, especially the definition of public investment that is used as a deficit ceiling in Germany. Two alternative budget rules are analysed, the Swiss debt brake as well as a version incorporating a golden rule...