Spanish fiscal policy in an EU context: The transition back to normal
Fecha: julio 2023
Santiago Lago Peñas
Fiscal policy
SEFO, Spanish and International Economic & Financial Outlook, V. 12 N.º 4 (July 2023)
Spain recorded a deficit of 4.8% of GDP in 2022, which was better than initially forecast by the government, but worse than the analyst community was forecasting by the end of the year. However, the curtailment of the cost of the expansionary fiscal package and positive surprises in GDP and employment make the 2023 deficit target look feasible. Moreover, 2023 will end four years of extraordinary budget and fiscal policies, with next year marking the year that the Stability and Growth Pact’s fiscal straitjacket will be reinstated, albeit likely in a reformed version. Along these lines, the government is forecasting a gradual reduction to leave the deficit at the permitted threshold of 3% by 2024. As for public debt, starting from a figure of 113.2% of GDP in 2022, indebtedness is expected to decline by 6.4 points to 106.8% by 2026, the end of the projection period. The European Commission’s assessment of Spanish fiscal policy calls for stronger consolidation efforts in 2024, with conclusions and recommendations more general for 2025 and beyond. As regards the Commission’s new fiscal rules framework, the goal of the latest proposal currently under debate is to keep national deficits under 3% in the medium-term and converge towards the debt ratio established by way of common anchor. Any sound fiscal consolidation strategy for Spain should contemplate that the country’s high structural deficit requires gradual but unflagging and urgent correction.