Spanish public finances through the financial crisis

Spanish public finances through the financial crisis

Series: Working Papers. 1620.

Author: Francisco Martí and Javier J. Pérez.

Published in: Fiscal Studies, 36 (4), December 2015, 527-554Opens in new window

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Abstract

Spain’s public finances have been under significant stress during the crisis, despite precrisisfiscal surpluses and low levels of public debt. The impact of the crisis and an initial phase of counter-cyclical activism exacerbated the existing (structural) fiscal vulnerabilities. To correct the fiscal imbalances, a significant number of bold policy actions were taken, affecting taxation, public spending, national fiscal rules and the structure of the public sector. In this paper we discuss the evolution of public finances in Spain during the financial crisis, framing crisis-related fiscal policy measures within medium-term economic trends and focusing on policy responses to the financial crisis. We also touch upon the main policy challenges ahead.

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