Economic Transition and Social Protection: Issues and Agenda for Reform

IMF Policy Discussion Papers, December 1, 1998

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Economic Transition and Social Protection: Issues and Agenda for Reform

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Bibliographic details

• Authors: Sanjeev Gupta
• Published: December 1, 1998
• Series: IMF Policy Discussion Papers
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451967760.003

Scope and focus

• Brief description of factors constraining social protection policies in the Baltics, Russia, and other countries of the former Soviet Union (BRO).
• Analysis of public spending in social programs, including:
  • generalized subsidies for goods and consumer services
  • pensions
  • unemployment-related and social benefits
  • education and health care
• Presentation of policies intended to help mitigate worsening living standards of the poor and vulnerable in a fiscally sustainable manner.

Key findings and themes

• The paper identifies constraints on social protection policies across BRO economies during transition.
• Public spending components examined include subsidies, pension spending, unemployment-related benefits, social benefits, education, and health care.
• The analysis emphasizes the trade-off between protecting living standards of the poor and vulnerable and maintaining fiscal sustainability.

Policy agenda (as presented)

• The paper lists policies aimed at mitigating worsening living standards of the poor and the vulnerable while preserving fiscal sustainability.
• Policies are presented in the context of transition-related constraints in BRO countries.

Content in this bundle

• Economic Transition and Social Protection--Issues and Agenda for Reform - PPAA/98/14
  • Economic Transition and Social Protection--Issues and Agenda for Reform - PPAA/98/14 (Markdown version)
  • Economic Transition and Social Protection--Issues and Agenda for Reform - PPAA/98/14 (PDF)