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Normes sociales et politiques européennes

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  • Jean-Paul Fitoussi
  • Francesco Saraceno

Abstract

This paper reviews the debate on the Stability and Growth Pact. Both empirical and theoretical arguments in favour of the Pact are weak, to warrant a different and plausible (even if extreme) hypothesis: We suggest the view that the Stability Pact is a public social norm, obeyed by countries because of the fear of reputation losses. Our simple model shows that reputation issues may cause the emergence of a stable but inferior equilibrium. Within this framework, the enlargement to more undisciplined countries may worsen the problems posed by the Pact. JEL Classification: D63, D71, E62, E63.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Paul Fitoussi & Francesco Saraceno, 2007. "Normes sociales et politiques européennes," Revue de l'OFCE, Presses de Sciences-Po, vol. 0(3), pages 283-314.
    • Handle: RePEc:cai:reofsp:reof_102_0283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Allsopp, Christopher & Davies, Gareth & Vines, David, 1995. "Regional Macroeconomic Policy, Fiscal Federalism, and European Integration," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 11(2), pages 126-144, Summer.
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    5. Alberto Alesina & Silvia Ardagna & Roberto Perotti & Fabio Schiantarelli, 2002. "Fiscal Policy, Profits, and Investment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(3), pages 571-589, June.
    6. Ardagna, Silvia & Caselli, Francesco & Lane, Timothy, 2004. "Fiscal discipline and the cost of public dept service: some estiames for OECD countries," Working Paper Series 411, European Central Bank.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Stability Pact; stabilization policies; social norms; reputation; enlargement;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E63 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization; Treasury Policy

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