Arbeitspapier

The German 'debt brake': A shining example for European fiscal policy?

Many observers consider the German 'debt brake' beyond criticism. In the current crisis, many European countries have difficulties refinancing their budgets, while the German treasury's funding conditions are most favourable. The 'fiscal compact's' call for the introduction of German-style 'debt brakes' in the constitutions of other countries in order to rebuild their credibility on financial markets therefore might seem reasonable. However, there are several reasons to doubt the underlying (macro-) economic reasoning. Two specific problems of the German debt brake are analysed in greater detail: Firstly, the German rule is neither simple nor transparent. The calculation of structural deficits is a complex matter highly sensitive to specification and therefore open to political manipulation. Secondly, the debt brake will ultimately have a pro-cyclical effect because of the way the commonly used cyclical adjustment method works. This will, as a result, destabilise the economy. The German debt brake can therefore hardly serve as a good example for other countries.

Sprache
Englisch

Erschienen in
Series: Working Paper ; No. 15/2012

Klassifikation
Wirtschaft
Crisis Management
Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents: Other
National Government Expenditures and Related Policies: General
Thema
Germany
debt brake
Euro zone
Euro crisis
sovereign debt
Verschuldungsrestriktion
Finanzpolitik
Regelgebundene Politik
Kritik
Deutschland
Öffentliche Schulden
Wirtschaftskrise
Eurozone

Ereignis
Geistige Schöpfung
(wer)
Truger, Achim
Will, Henner
Ereignis
Veröffentlichung
(wer)
Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin, Institute for International Political Economy (IPE)
(wo)
Berlin
(wann)
2012

Handle
Letzte Aktualisierung
10.03.2025, 11:44 MEZ

Datenpartner

Dieses Objekt wird bereitgestellt von:
ZBW - Deutsche Zentralbibliothek für Wirtschaftswissenschaften - Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft. Bei Fragen zum Objekt wenden Sie sich bitte an den Datenpartner.

Objekttyp

  • Arbeitspapier

Beteiligte

  • Truger, Achim
  • Will, Henner
  • Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin, Institute for International Political Economy (IPE)

Entstanden

  • 2012

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