Fiscal crises are a central theme in the recent history of many emerging economies, as they are more vulnerable to budget distress than developed countries. From 1970 to 2015, emerging markets experienced more than twice as many fiscal crises as their wealthier counterparts (Gerling et al. 2017,...

Japan’s gross government debt of 226% of GDP in 2018 is the highest ever recorded in the OECD area, and places the economy at risk. The government now aims to achieve a primary surplus by FY 2025. Additional fiscal consolidation, based on a detailed plan covering specific spending cuts and tax...

Based on five case studies, this paper looks at the definition and classification of fiscal risks; sets out the components of a comprehensive fiscal risks framework; and examines how to operationalise such a framework. It then summarises challenges and key lessons to be considered by countries...