Structural Deficits

The above chart by Mercatus Center senior research fellow Veronique de Rugy uses data from the International Monetary Fund’s Cross-Country Fiscal Monitor to compare projected 2010 structural deficits across the G-20.  These structural deficits reflect each nation’s long-term attitude toward deficit spending, with the effects of business cycle fluctuations removed. The United States has a greater structural deficit than Greece; if the level of spending in the United States is not cut, we will be forced to continue borrowing into the foreseeable future. 

Learn about our dangerous cycle of deficit.