Policy Papers

The Chair’s Summing Up Independent Evaluation Office—IMF Advice on Fiscal Policy Executive Board Meeting December 4, 2025

December 16, 2025

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Format: Chicago

International Monetary Fund. Independent Evaluation Office "The Chair’s Summing Up Independent Evaluation Office—IMF Advice on Fiscal Policy Executive Board Meeting December 4, 2025", Policy Papers 2025, 045 (2025), accessed 12/16/2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229033596.007

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Summary

The Executive Board discussed the Independent Evaluation Office’s review of IMF fiscal policy advice from 2008 to 2023. Directors welcomed the evaluation and noted the Fund’s progress in adapting its guidance to changing global conditions. The discussion highlighted the evolution from a narrow focus on debt sustainability toward a more integrated approach that balances fiscal sustainability, output stabilization, and long-term growth. Directors acknowledged improvements in analytical tools, including debt sustainability frameworks and fiscal risk assessments, while emphasizing the need for clearer articulation of fiscal stance and better integration of long-term spending priorities. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and consistency in providing candid, country-specific advice to help members navigate fiscal challenges.

Subject: Debt financing, Debt sustainability analysis, External debt, Financial crises, Fiscal policy, Fiscal risks, Fiscal rules, Fiscal sustainability, Global financial crisis of 2008-2009, Public financial management (PFM)

Keywords: Debt financing, debt sustainability, Debt sustainability analysis, fiscal consolidation, Fiscal policy, Fiscal risks, Fiscal rules, fiscal space, Fiscal sustainability, Global financial crisis of 2008-2009, Government debt management, IMF performance, IMF surveillance

Notes