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Deficit sustainability and inflation in EMU: An analysis from the fiscal theory of the price level

Author

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  • Oscar Bajo-Rubio

    (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha and Instituto de Estudios Fiscales)

  • Carmen Díaz-Roldán

    (Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha)

  • Vicente Esteve

    (Universidad de Valencia)

Abstract

Price determination theory typically focuses on monetary plicy, while the role of fiscal policy is ussually neglected. From a different point of view, the Fiscal Theory of Price Level takes into account monetary and fiscal policy interactions and assumes that fiscal policy may determine the price level, even if monetary authorities pursue an inflation targeting strategy. In this paper we try to test empirically whether the time path of the government budget in EMU countries would have affected price level determination. Our results point to the sustainability of fiscal policy in all the EMU countries but Finland, although no firm conclusions can be drawn about the prevalence of either monetary or fiscal dominance.

Suggested Citation

  • Oscar Bajo-Rubio & Carmen Díaz-Roldán & Vicente Esteve, 2007. "Deficit sustainability and inflation in EMU: An analysis from the fiscal theory of the price level," Working Papers 07-01, Asociación Española de Economía y Finanzas Internacionales.
    • Handle: RePEc:aee:wpaper:0701
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fiscal Theory of the Price Level; monetary and fiscal dominance; central bank independence; fiscal solvency; inflation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H62 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Deficit; Surplus
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe

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