Residui fiscali, bilancio pubblico e politiche regionali

In this paper, estimates of net fiscal flows for Italian macro-regions from 2000 to 2014 are presented. Inspection of data allows to observe a declining trend in the interregional redistribution. The dynamics of net fiscal flows are discussed in a long-run perspective, refuting the argument that excessive redistribution from Northern to Southern regions should be regarded as the main cause of the accumulation of national public debt. The weak link between size of interregional redistribution and intensity of regional policies is also discussed. Finally, the possibility to compute net fiscal flows accounting for interest payments on public debt is explored, and estimates including interests are presented. [Publishers' text].