Creating fiscal space for poverty reduction in Ecuador : a fiscal management and public expenditure review

"Ecuador's impressive fiscal performance of 2003 and 2004 is encouraging, but fragile. Several structural bottlenecks could impede fiscal discipline and recovery, which is a pre-condition to develop a poverty reduction agenda. Tax earmarkings, multiple exemptions, an expansive payroll, and growing pension bills have reduced to a minimum the available fiscal space for development needs. Reversing poverty trends is critical for the country's stability, and this can only be achieved with well-targeted, effective and efficient pro-poor programs. The status quo is not an option for poverty reduction." "Preserving a sound fiscal position and deepening positive social outcomes are well within reach. The challenge is to provide more effective, efficient, sustainable, and equitable assistance to the poor."--Jacket.