Public Finance and the Optimal Speed of Transition

Micael Castanheira

No 3797, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: We develop a general equilibrium model that jointly considers the influence of capital accumulation constraints and of labour market frictions on the process of transition. We endogenize the economic and budgetary costs of different government policies and show that, early in transition, governments ought to subsidize state firms. Provided that inter-temporal commitment is feasible, this policy limits the initial output fall, which relaxes capital accumulation constraints, accelerates transition, and increases welfare. Moreover, by resorting to indirect — instead of direct — taxes, governments can bring the path of transition closer to the first best. Yet, political pressures may induce a policy of excessive subsidization.

Keywords: Transition; Subsidies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: H20 P20 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2003-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-tra
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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