EMU driven interest rate convergence has led to a significant reduction of borrowing costs for some European governments in the second half of the nineties. The paper deals with the possible consequences for deficit behaviour. Although the impact of interest rates on deficits is a crucial...

In recent years, the countries of Latin America have embraced reforms in public financial management and have made many important advances-however, many challenges remain. This book brings together IMF and IDB staff and representatives from 16 governments in the region to document these reforms,...