Macroeconomic balances – conclusions from international comparisons

Abstract

The paper presents discussion about macroeconomic balances basing on example of OECD countries. It stresses interrelations between private sector balance, state budget and international exchange as well as their institutional dimension. It argues that public debt is necessary in a market economy, which is based on money. Moreover, it stresses the necessity to activate savings into investments and a role of both financial institutions and a state that adopts balancing role. Empirical analyses suggest that budget deficit is a common situation. Simultaneously, the author argues that a state budget balance is strictly connected with the other balances, however, the relationships are multidimensional. He concludes that it is the high economic growth that enables an increase in budget surplus, and therefore he negates neoliberal proposals to eliminate budget deficits.