Italy’s deficit expanding budget plans — and their incompatibility with the European Commission’s wishes — may be one of the biggest talking points in the capital markets, but Spain also intends to loosen its deficit in the coming years. While fiscal stimulus after years of austerity should be welcome — so long as it’s spent on growth boosting policies rather than handouts — Europe’s lawmakers at the national and supranational level must really be lambasted for their timing.
Craig McGlashan,
October 16, 2018