ABSTRACT

Studies of the recent financial crisis have been largely dominated by economists, but the similarities and differences between European countries' response reflect both economic and political perspectives which have resulted in considerable differences in their decisions.

Drawing on uniquely comprehensive research data, this book presents an in-depth comparative analysis of how 14 European governments tackled the challenge of fiscal consolidation, and analyses the political decision-making behind these measures. By exploring national responses not just in fiscal terms, but also from a political perspective, it reveals that decision making has been driven by political factors with profound effects on public administration and management.

This ground-breaking book fills an important gap in the research literature for scholars of public management, public administration and policy, and will be a benchmark for future work on the global economic crisis.

part 1|82 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|23 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|31 pages

Fiscal crisis and consolidation

chapter 3|26 pages

Analytical framework

part 2|65 pages

Fiscal consolidation

chapter 4|20 pages

Fiscal consolidation contents of measures

chapter 5|43 pages

Fiscal consolidation decision-making

part 3|67 pages

Causes and effects of fiscal consolidation

chapter 6|29 pages

Explanations of fiscal consolidation

chapter 7|36 pages

Effects of fiscal consolidation

part 4|27 pages

Conclusions and discussion

chapter 8|25 pages

Conclusions and discussion