In this paper, we address the question of the macroeconomic assignment problem of wage and demand policy that is implicit in the “two-handed approach”. As a novelty relative to the existing literature, we thereby distinguish the two levels of policy instruments and policy makers....

On the eve of the financial and economic crisis of 2008/09, the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) could look back to a decade of remarkable macroeconomic stability. Somewhat surprisingly, though, inflation differentials across member states have been substantial and persistent, causing...

This paper takes a fresh look at the often confused - and therefore confusing - debate on the role of wage policy in tackling Germany's unemployment problem. The key issues in this debate are the relative importance of wages and aggregate demand in the determination of employment, the...