Progressive Economics Network kicks off with pre-briefing for the IMF Annual Meetings

High-inflation, rising energy costs and differing macro stances pose new challenges for the countries of the West which counter Putin’s war collectively but need to urgently develop strategies for the upcoming months. That’s why Das Progressive Zentrum (DPZ), together with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), created an invite-only space for economic advisers and experts to debate and strategise before flying to the IMF Annual Meetings in DC: The Progressive Economics Network.

On October 6 the virtual kick-off meeting for the newly-established Progressive Economics Network took place. The Network aims at providing a space for economic advisers and decisionmakers to strategize, exchange best-practices, and form a progressive economic policy strategy. Speaking with one voice while also addressing current challenges openly is more important than ever for progressives in power. Faced with the ongoing inflation crises and the energy crunch, progressives need to develop solutions quickly.

Before meeting at the IMF Annual Meetings in Washington DC last week, 34 advisers and experts joined the exclusive discussion. Prof. Ulrike Malmendier (Berkeley) and Prof. Moritz Schularick (Sciences Po / Bonn) kicked off the debate with their viewpoints on the current macroeconomic situation, followed by a response from Steffen Meyer (German Chancellery). Carys Roberts (IPPR) hosted the meeting.

Key Takeaways

There is a risk of tightening monetary policy too much.
Fiscal policy, in the current inflationary environment, should do more to support low and medium earners, while avoiding a full blown stimulus.
Tax reforms are needed to ensure ongoing cost-of-living support measures are based on a strong revenue base.
There is a tricky trade off between price caps and direct subsidies. But clever behavioral design can square the circle.

Synopsis

Das Progressive Zentrum provided a synopsis, which summarizes the four main takeaways from the discussion and elaborates on DPZ’s official position.

In cooperation with

Author

Carsten Jung

Senior Economic Advisor

Carsten is a Senior economic advisor at Das Progressive Zentrum. He is also senior economist at the UK's Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), where he leads the work on macroeconomics and structural economic reform.

Dr. Florian Ranft

Member of the Management Board and Head of Green New Deal

Florian Ranft is Member of the Management Board and Head of Programme Economic and Social Transformation and focuses on inclusive growth and the future of work. In previous capacities, he was Head of Policy and International at Policy Network, and a former Senior Research Analyst at the Centre for Progressive Policy, both think tanks based in London.