Britain’s Osborne to Freeze Benefits, Cut Pension Tax
A next Conservative government will freeze benefits for working age Britons and overhaul pensions.
Fiscal Issues
Netherlands to Reduce Taxes, Raise Defense Spending
The Dutch will keep their deficit under the European treaty limit while reducing taxes to help job creation.
Egypt Cuts Fuel Subsidies in Effort to Reduce Deficit
The austerity measures mark a break with the stopgap economic measures of Egypt’s last government.
French Budget, Growth Targets Seem Overly Optimistic
France is counting on unspecified cuts and high growth forecasts to balance its budget.
Renzi Announces Tax Cuts as Parliament Approves New Voting Law
Italy’s new prime minister promises to reduce business and income taxes.
Republicans See Obama’s Budget as Election Manifesto
Spending proposals seem designed to help Democrats win the election.
Budget Deal Gives Short-Term Relief, No Long-Term Improvement
A bipartisan agreement could end uncertainty around spending and taxes but doesn’t address entitlements.
Dutch Lose High Credit Rating as Taxes Depress Confidence
“Austerity” in the Netherlands has mostly meant tax increases for businesses and workers.
Last-Minute Debt Deal Looks Certain to Divide Republicans
A law to push back the deadline for a new budget would need support from center-right Republicans.
Republicans Won the Argument on Deficit Spending
Thanks to Republicans’ insistence on spending cuts, the deficit is shrinking.
Suddenly, Democrats Seem Intransigent in Budget Showdown
By seeking to delay rather than repeal the president’s health law, opposition Republicans seem reasonable.
Dutch to Miss Deficit Target Despite More Austerity
More spending cuts and tax increases will more allow the Netherlands to keep its deficit under 3 percent.
Norway’s Election Winners Propose Relaxing Wealth Fund’s Spending
Norway’s incoming conservative administration may use the country’s oil fund to pay for domestic policy priorities.
Italy’s Letta Fails to Stabilize Coalition with Tax Cut
By giving in to right’s demand for tax repeal, the prime minister invites scorn from his own allies.
Dutch Consider More Austerity as Deficit Rises
The government must cut deeper to keep its shortfall under the European treaty limit.