The Current Unsustainable Boom in the Argentine Economy

Abstract

The end of convertibility and a subsequent default, confiscation of deposits and devaluation is the path that Paul Krugman proposes for several countries as a solution to the European crisis. We show that Krugman’s reference to Argentine experience is misleading and dangerous. He underestimates the crisis of 2001-2002 and overestimates economic growth achieved in the period 2003-2011. Any country following this example will find it unattractive due to the difficulties it is bound to face with economic growth, control of public spending, and inflation.

Keywords: Argentina, Menemism, Kirschnerism, unsustainable growth

JEL Classification: E62, E65, N16