What is the difference between fiscal policy and fiscal consolidation?

Economics Fiscal Policy Questions Medium



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What is the difference between fiscal policy and fiscal consolidation?

Fiscal policy refers to the government's use of taxation and spending to influence the overall economy. It involves the decisions made by the government regarding its revenue generation and expenditure patterns to achieve certain economic objectives, such as promoting economic growth, reducing unemployment, controlling inflation, and stabilizing the economy.

On the other hand, fiscal consolidation refers to the deliberate actions taken by the government to reduce its budget deficit or debt levels. It involves implementing measures to decrease government spending, increase tax revenues, or a combination of both, with the aim of achieving a more sustainable fiscal position.

In essence, fiscal policy is a broader concept that encompasses various measures taken by the government to manage the economy, while fiscal consolidation is a specific aspect of fiscal policy that focuses on reducing budget deficits or debt levels. Fiscal consolidation is often pursued when a government's fiscal position becomes unsustainable, leading to concerns about the long-term stability of the economy.