Crise e austeridade no Sul da Europa: impacto nas economias e sociedades

Mauro Serapioni,Pedro Hespanha

doi:10.4000/eces.4068

Abstract

This article discusses the economic and social impact of the 2008 crisis and its related austerity policy on South European countries (SEC). Damages caused by these policies includes the decrease in GDP, the increase in unemployment and precariousness, especially amongst the younger population, and the worsening of social services. SEC health systems have also been seriously affected by the crisis, with a particular impact on the most vulnerable social groups, as a result of the decrease in public health expenditure. The increase in health inequalities is another side effect of the structural adjustment programs.

Highlights

This article discusses the economic and social impact of the 2008 crisis and its related austerity policy on South European countries (SEC)
SEC health systems have been seriously affected by the crisis, with a particular impact on the most vulnerable social groups, as a result of the decrease in public health expenditure
One of the outstanding attributes of the welfare state in these countries, suitable for health systems, is their universalist approach. All of these four countries, in the final phase of the expansion of their welfare states between the 1970s and 1980s created their own national health services (NHS) with universal access inspired in the Beveridgean model established in the United Kingdom in 1948

Summary

Greece Portugal Spain Italy Eurozone

The comparative analysis of austerity policies effects in four countries severely affected by the crisis (Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Italy) shows that, the range of available political instruments is limited and not very diversified, the way in which they are combined and implemented is crucial to explain the different effects austerity policies had in each country. Increase in individual income tax rates, partially compensated by decreasing tax rates for lower bands; Changes in the fiscal benefits and bonuses. Increase in individual income tax rates; Introduction of an additional tax rate for top earners; Reduction of fiscal benefits. Introduction of an additional income tax rate for top earners.

Deep cuts in social spending at national and local level

Findings

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