Enrique J. Buch Gómez

The Dimensions of the Financial Condition in Spanish Municipalities: An Empirical Analysis

The current financial crisis highlights the relevance to have frameworks and analytical tools adapted to the financial specificities of the local public sector. The complex nature of the concept of financial condition has been studied from both the doctrinal and institutional perspective. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the multiple indicators of the financial realities of local entities in Spain reflect the dimensions of analysis of financial condition developed by the ICMA or the dimensions developed by the CICA. For the analysis, we used a large number of indicators and a large sample of Spanish municipalities. Our methodology combined statistical techniques of factorial analysis, canonical correlation, and cluster analysis. The results of the analysis in local governments in Spain showed a combination of the dimensions espoused by both theoretical frameworks.

Adjustments in municipal fiscal crises. Are they different according to the gender of the mayor

The literature on gender has attempted to explain the differences between the public outcome depending on whether the ruler is male or female, on the basis that men and women have different preferences. This scientific research has not yet examined issues related to fiscal crises, and our research aims to fill this gap. In a context of generalised economic crisis, our research examines if the gender of the mayor affected the fiscal adjustment policies carried out by municipalities with fiscal deficits in the Spanish region of Galicia. Our paper suggests that although gender of the mayor does not seem to have affected the level of adjustment in total current expenditure, it does seem to have influenced the way in which social and non-social spending were adjusted. Our study also highlights that female mayors are associated with lower levels of tax revenues and this could slow the adjustment processes of fiscal imbalances.ABSTRACT The literature on gender has attempted to explain the differences between the public outcome depending on whether the ruler is male or female, on the basis that men and women have different preferences. This scientific research has not yet examined issues related to fiscal crises, and our research aims to fill this gap. In a context of generalised economic crisis, our research examines if the gender of the mayor affected the fiscal adjustment policies carried out by municipalities with fiscal deficits in the Spanish region of Galicia. Our paper suggests that although gender of the mayor does not seem to have affected the level of adjustment in total current expenditure, it does seem to have influenced the way in which social and non-social spending were adjusted. Our study also highlights that female mayors are associated with lower levels of tax revenues and this could slow the adjustment processes of fiscal imbalances.

Is the Tax Collection Effort an Indicator of the Financial Condition of Spanish Municipalities

ABSTRACT The financial crisis beginning in 2007 drastically affected the financial resources of different governmental organizations, causing critical imbalances between resources and expenditure needs. This study aims to analyze whether the municipal tax collection effort in Spain could be an indicator of the financial condition of these institutions. As a preliminary step, a new methodology is used to assess their financial condition. We test tax collection effort as an indicator on a sample of more than 5,000 Spanish municipalities with fewer than 75,000 inhabitants. Results confirm that the budgetary solvency dimension is associated with the tax collection effort for all municipalities studied. Furthermore, in municipalities with populations of fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, the level of the tax collection effort is indicative of most of the financial condition dimensions.ABSTRACT The financial crisis beginning in 2007 drastically affected the financial resources of different governmental organizations, causing critical imbalances between resources and expenditure needs. This study aims to analyze whether the municipal tax collection effort in Spain could be an indicator of the financial condition of these institutions. As a preliminary step, a new methodology is used to assess their financial condition. We test tax collection effort as an indicator on a sample of more than 5,000 Spanish municipalities with fewer than 75,000 inhabitants. Results confirm that the budgetary solvency dimension is associated with the tax collection effort for all municipalities studied. Furthermore, in municipalities with populations of fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, the level of the tax collection effort is indicative of most of the financial condition dimensions.

Mergers in the Spanish Savings Banks and their Presence in the Market: A Cause-Effect Analysis on an Autonomous Scale

The configuration of Spain as a state made up of Autonomies has meant the existence of two legislative sources in some areas. The savings banks is one of these areas. The Autonomy has exclusive jurisdiction in some cases, and shares jurisdiction in other cases. So, when studying the merger process which affected these entities in recent years, we have considered it correct to analyse the perspective Autonomy to discover its possible legal influence on the mergers, such as modifications at intra-Autonomy/inter-Autonomy levels.