IMF urges countries to use fiscal firepower against Covid-19

“Do whatever it takes, but make sure to keep the receipts,” says IMF fiscal chief

IMF HQ 2
International Monetary Fund, Washington, DC
Photo: Henrik Gschwindt de Gyor/IMF

Countries should be willing to use aggressive fiscal spending to protect lives and the economy from the effects of Covid-19, but they must also make sure money is well spent, the International Monetary Fund says.

The first chapter of the fund’s flagship report, Fiscal monitor, published today (April 15), envisages several phases of fiscal spending. Countries should first look to contain the virus and fund a massive healthcare response. Next, they should ensure “emergency lifelines” are extended

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