This paper starts off explaining the arguments put forward to defend the need to reduce the State’s budgetary activity and minimize fiscal deficit in accordance with the institutionalized consensus reached under the Maastricht Treaty and the Stability and Growth Pact. Secondly, it sheds light...

This paper examines the rationale for the imposition of fiscal rules as a way to reduce budgetary imbalances. It presents theoretical arguments for the existence of a “fiscal deficit bias” and the empirical evidence on the economic, political and institutional factors leading to this bias....

This study presents an evaluation of the National Expenditure Program for 2013. First, this paper projects that the fiscal targets set out in the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) for 2013 are likely to be met. Specifically, fiscal deficit is projected to be PHP 9.6 billion...

The spread of COVID-19 has brought many economies into recession, and Indonesia is no exception. In response to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher fiscal stimulus is needed to achieve economic recovery. However, as one of the world's most populous countries, Indonesia has...

This study presents a four-part evaluation of the President's Budget (PB) for 2002. First, it shows that the speed of fiscal consolidation that is envisioned in the President's Budget for 2002 will not be achieved. In particular, the fiscal deficit targets that are set in the proposed budget...

This study presents an evaluation of the President's Budget for 2003. First, it shows that the fiscal targets set out in the administration's Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) for 2003 are not likely to be met. In particular, the fiscal deficit target of P130 billion (or...

The President's Budget for 2004 is the administration's last prior to the forthcoming presidential elections in May 2004. Thus, it is but timely to assess not only the proposed 2004 budget itself but also the present administration's fiscal performance in the last three years. The evaluation of...

This study presents an evaluation of the National Expenditure Program for 2013. First, this paper projects that the fiscal targets set out in the Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) for 2013 are likely to be met. Specifically, fiscal deficit is projected to be PHP 9.6 billion...

Staff Discussion Notes showcase the latest policy-related analysis and research being developed by individual IMF staff and are published to elicit comment and to further debate. These papers are generally brief and written in nontechnical language, and so are aimed at a broad audience...