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Macroeconomic effects of fiscal consolidations in a DSGE model for the Euro Area: does composition matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Vitor M. Carvalho

    (CEF.UP, Faculdade de Economia do Porto, Universidade do Porto)

  • Manuel M. F. Martins

    (CEF.UP, Faculdade de Economia do Porto, Universidade do Porto)

Abstract

We develop a new-Keynesian DSGE model with an extended fiscal policy block to assess the conditions for expansionary fiscal consolidations. In addition to several taxes, we consider public employment expenditures and government spending, which may have different degrees of productivity. We calibrate the model for the Euro Area and use it to simulate alternative fiscal consolidations with changes in the budget composition. Among the main conclusions we find that: (i) if conducted with a cut in weaklyproductive spending and a symmetric increase in highly-productive spending, fiscal consolidations have expansionary effects on investment and output; (ii) if consolidation is pursued through a pure reduction in weaklyproductive public employment, the effects on output decrease with the degree of labor market competition and turn out to be positive under perfect competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Vitor M. Carvalho & Manuel M. F. Martins, 2011. "Macroeconomic effects of fiscal consolidations in a DSGE model for the Euro Area: does composition matter?," FEP Working Papers 421, Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Economia do Porto.
    • Handle: RePEc:por:fepwps:421
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    3. Schwarzmüller, Tim & Wolters, Maik H., 2014. "The macroeconomic effects of fiscal consolidation in dynamic general equilibrium," Kiel Working Papers 1963, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
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    5. Séverine Menguy, 2017. "On the efficiency of various expansionary fiscal policies and cuts in taxation rates in order to sustain economic activity," Bulletin of Applied Economics, Risk Market Journals, vol. 4(2), pages 1-36.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    fiscal policy; fiscal consolidation; new-Keynesian DSGE model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E12 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Keynes; Keynesian; Post-Keynesian; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt

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