There is relatively little literature that analyses the role, functions, and organization of finance ministries. The purpose of this working paper is to review international experiences in this area, in an effort to formulate guiding principles of organizational design and the allocation of...

There is relatively little literature that analyses the role, functions, and organization of finance ministries. The purpose of this working paper is to review international experiences in this area, in an effort to formulate guiding principles of organizational design and the allocation of...

Belgium faces two main fiscal challenges that call for a durable fiscal consolidation. First, at above 105 percent of GDP, public debt creates vulnerabilities. Second, the aging population and early access to pension benefits will lead in the medium term to significant fiscal costs. To address...

France's fiscal deficit widened markedly during the crisis (from 2.7 percent of GDP in 2007 to 7.5 percent of GDP in 2009). The fiscal consolidation undertaken since 2010 has heavily relied on tax increases and needs to switch to expenditure containment. The purpose of this paper is to identify...