Fiscal Decentralization and Macroeconomic Stability: Theory and Evidence from Pakistan

Iqbal, Nasir and Nawaz, Saima (2010): Fiscal Decentralization and Macroeconomic Stability: Theory and Evidence from Pakistan.

Abstract

The research on the relationship between macroeconomic stability and fiscal decentralization has been rather inconclusive about the benefits of fiscal decentralization. The current paper is the first to investigate the effect of fiscal decentralization on macroeconomic stability by using Misery Index at country level especially for Pakistan. The evidence that has been presented reveals a significant positive impact of fiscal decentralization on macroeconomic stability of Pakistan, although the results are much weaker for expenditure decentralization. Effectiveness of expenditure decentralization in curtailing macroeconomic instability is depending upon the level of revenue decentralization. The current study clearly indicates that process of fiscal decentralization is beneficial for the economy of Pakistan. The present developments under taken by the government of Pakistan in term of 7th NFC award and 18th Constitutional Amendment will have clear implications for the Pakistan’s long term economic prosperity and macroeconomic stability. However, outcome of these reforms crucially depends upon the will of the political government.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Fiscal Decentralization, Macroeconomic Stability, Pakistan
• Subjects: O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O11 - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development; E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E6 - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook > E62 - Fiscal Policy; H - Public Economics > H7 - State and Local Government ; Intergovernmental Relations > H77 - Intergovernmental Relations ; Federalism ; Secession; E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E3 - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles > E31 - Price Level ; Inflation ; Deflation; E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E2 - Consumption, Saving, Production, Investment, Labor Markets, and Informal Economy > E24 - Employment ; Unemployment ; Wages ; Intergenerational Income Distribution ; Aggregate Human Capital ; Aggregate Labor Productivity

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