Shining a Light on the Mysteries of State: The Origins of Fiscal Transparency in Western Europe

Timothy Irwin ()

No 2013/219, IMF Working Papers from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: The extent of fiscal transparency in Western Europe has varied over the centuries. Although ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval governments were sometimes open about their finances, the absolute monarchies of the 1600s and 1700s shrouded them in mystery. Factors that have encouraged transparency include (i) the sharing of political power and rulers’ need to persuade creditors to lend and taxpayers’ representatives to approve new taxes; (ii) the spread of technological innovations that reduce the costs of storing and transmitting information; and (iii) the acceptance of political theories that emphasize accountable government and public discussion of government policy.

Keywords: WP; government finances; government policy; absolutist government; government sector; fiscal transparency; budgets; public accounts; public finances; government's account; government regulation; finance minister; government operation; publication of a report; Budget planning and preparation; Fiscal accounting and reporting; Western Europe; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 43
Date: 2013-10-25
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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