The Original Sin of Sovereign Debt: Budget deficits & Debt crisis (ft. Anatoli Annenkov) | Public Finances, Sustainability

$25 trillion ! This is the sum injected into the economy by Governments and Central Banks to protect a significant portion of the global economy during the Covid crisis. Where does this funding come from, and what are the impacts of such government spending? Is this strategy sustainable in the long term? These are important questions to consider, particularly since we are in a year where half of the world's population is heading to the polls and many candidates are advocating for a 'whatever it takes' approach.

Even if we are near full employment, witnessing rising wages, have defeated the Coronavirus, and have inflation levels gradually approaching central bank objectives, let us not overlook the consequences of this approach. The massive government spending to save lives, known as 'whatever it takes,' is not without costs. As the saying goes, there‘s no such thing as a free lunch! The result? Endemic sovereign debt and budget deficits – a metaphorical portrayal of 'original sin.'

In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua will delve into sovereign debt sustainability and explore how governments can balance their finances amid high-interest rates while meeting the demands of voters. Joining the discussion is Anatoli Annenkov, Societe Generale's Senior Economist for Europe, who will analyse the relationship between public debt and central banks. He will explain how central banks can help stabilize sovereign debt crises and shed light on the importance of their independence.

About this show

Welcome to 2050 Investors, your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

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Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored ESG, climate change, AI, greenflation, globalization, plastic pollution, food, healthcare, biodiversity and more.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editors: Vincent Nickelsen, Jovaney Ashman, Linda Isker & Jennifer Krumm. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

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