Fiscal decentralization in Latin America. Results of a process

La mayor población urbana, la apertura política y económica y el área territorial son factores comunes que explican el origen y la profundidad de la descentralización en América Latina. La descentralización como objetivo obligó a transferir grandes recursos al nivel subnacional y dio lugar a un grave deterioro fiscal. En el intento de establecer incentivos adecuados, la segunda generación de reformas fijó nuevas prioridades: finanzas locales sanas, endeudamiento moderado y mayor esfuerzo tributario local. Este proceso requiere un marco institucional adecuado y habrá de continuar promoviendo una autonomía financiera local real.There are common factors that explain the origin and depth of Latin American decentralization: increased urban population, political and economic opening as well as the territorial dimension. Decentralization as a goal imposed major transfer of resources to the subnational level, resulting in significant fiscal deterioration. A second generation of reforms aims to establish new priorities such as healthy local finances, moderate leverage and a greater local tax effort. The conclusion is that decentralization is a process that requires an adequate institutional framework and will need to continue on the path of fostering true local financial autonomy