The German debt brake is often regarded as a great success story, and has therefore served as a role model for the Euro area and its fiscal compact. In this paper we fundamentally criticize the debt brake. We show that (1) it suffers from serious shortcomings, and its success is far from certain...

The German debt brake is often regarded as a great success story, and has therefore served as a role model for the Euro area and its fiscal compact. In this paper we fundamentally criticize the debt brake. We show that (1) it suffers from serious shortcomings, and its success is far from certain...

Business cycle dynamic in Germany has still been high at the beginning of this year. However in due course of 2008 adverse external impact especially from the US will make themselves being felt. Growth will slow down to 1.4 % in 2009. It will be driven mainly by consumption. Unemployment will go...