Fiscal Incentive Effects of the German Equalization System

Author/creator Stehn, Sven Jari Author
Other author Fedelino, Annalisa Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoWashington : International Monetary Fund
Description61 p.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete

Summary Annotation Does reliance on transfers weaken fiscal discipline and encourage pro-cyclical fiscal policies in recipient subnational governments? Using fiscal reaction functions for a panel of the German Lnder, this paper finds a positive answer to both questions. Net-recipient states (Lnder, benefiting from the transfer system) have not reduced primary expenditure significantly in response to rising deficits, but have instead relied on vertical transfers from the federal government to ensure debt sustainability. Moreover, they have pursued pro-cyclical policies, particularly by raising expenditures in good times. Net-contributing Lnder (paying into the transfer system), in contrast, have ensured fiscal sustainability through spending adjustments; they have also been less pro-cyclical. Panel vector auto-regressions confirm these findings.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
ISBN9781451917000
ISBN1451917007 (E-Book) Active Record
Stock number00013468

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