Wirtschaftsdienst (Apr 2020)

An Economic Policy Exit Strategy from the Corona Lockdown

  • Michael Hüther,
  • Hubertus Bardt

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10273-020-2635-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 100, no. 4
pp. 277 – 284

Abstract

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Abstract The fight against the coronavirus pandemic has led to an insulation of social and economic life and will have considerable economic consequences. Important areas of the industry and service sectors were partially or completely shutdown. A resumption of activity should happen as soon as possible, once the medical pre-conditions have been established and are met. This requires a clear exit strategy and following several steps to return to previous welfare and growth data levels. After securing survival during this crisis via various liquidity lines and bridging loans, the economy’s restart requires the relaunch of public infrastructure, especially of schools and kindergartens. To facilitate a coordinated and synchronised restart of complex industrial value chains, we need clear signals on a planned schedule. A tax policy driven departure signal and a demand side focused growth programme could make an important contribution to a new economic dynamic after the crisis.

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