Opinion piece

10 lessons about budget consolidation

Publishing date
30 July 2007
Authors
Jens Henriksson

In this piece, which draws on firsthand experience within the Swedish government throughout one of the most dramatic consolidation episodes of the post-WWII period, Jens Henriksson seeks to pinpoint, and to convey to fellow policymakers, what equations and econometrics do not capture. His ten lessons provide essential reading for the many countries where budget sustainability still remains an issue.

About the authors

  • Jens Henriksson

    Mr. Henriksson is the current CEO for the Swedish insurance company Folksam. His previously held positions include CEO of Stockholm Stock Exchange, and Executive Officer and board member of the

    International Monetary Fund. Mr Henriksson also holds experience from the Swedish Ministry of Finance, where he was active 1994-2006 and held positions as a political advisor and State Secretary. In 2007-2008 he was a visiting Scholar at Bruegel

    With extensive experience from both the public and private sectors in Sweden and internationally, Mr Henriksson often features in public policy debates. His book titled “Ten Lessons about Budget

    Consolidation" was published during his time as Senior Policy Fellow at Bruegel and he has also contributed as columnist to Svenska Dagbladet.

    Mr. Henriksson holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering and Economics from Lund University and a fil. Lic. in economics from Stockholm University.

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