Download or read book Smart Fiscal Consolidation written by Galina Kolev and published by Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies. This book was released on 2013-05-10 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: PDF downloadable for free from http://martenscentre.eu/publications/smart-fiscal-consolidation-strategy-achieving-sustainable-public-finances-and-growth Due to high government debt levels and the dangers of self-defeating austerity, smart fiscal consolidation measures are needed that foster economic growth. A thorough review of the relevant literature provides many useful insights. To regain credibility, a clearly communicated broad reform program (including structural reforms) is required. Targeting mainly public expenditures, rather than revenues, raises the chances of expansionary effects. The timing of consolidation should focus on adjustment in structural terms to leave room for automatic stabilisers. The main part of the study evaluates the impact of individual consolidation and fiscal reform measures on consolidation success, on economic growth (in the long and short term), and on social fairness.