EN
Contrary to conventional economics textbooks and the point of view of most politicians reduction in public spending and government deficit can boost economic growth. The most important condition to achieve non-Keynesian effects of fiscal consolidation is reliable and durable nature of the actions taken to alter the future market expectations. But the economic environment is important too. It may strengthen or offset the expansionary effects of consolidation – a period of stagnation in the neighboring countries, preceded by a depreciation of the exchange rate, a common fiscal and monetary expansion, an increase in investors’ appetite for risk, among others, will strengthen them. The analysis of the correlation shows a strong negative relationship between the average level of economic growth and the average size of the public sector in the economy (measured by the level of public revenue and public expenditure in relation to GDP) in the long run in 11 countries of Central and Eastern Europe belonging to the European Union. That’s why a significant and sustainable reduction of public spending in Poland, that allow then for a sustainable reduction of the fiscal burden would accelerate long-term economic growth. The positive effect of the consolidation would be the highest, if these activities were carried out in 2011–2012 and were accompanied by a growth oriented policy mix.