| Government Debt and Deficits |
Reduction in debt and deficits |
Positive, promotes fiscal responsibility and sustainability |
Reduction in debt and deficits |
Negative, achieved at the cost of essential services and economic growth |
2) Agree on impact, disagree on desirability |
| Public Spending |
Significant cuts in government spending |
Necessary to reduce wasteful expenditure |
Significant cuts in government spending |
Detrimental to public services and social safety nets |
2) Agree on impact, disagree on desirability |
| Economic Growth |
Short-term slowdown, but long-term benefits |
Acceptable trade-off for fiscal sustainability |
Prolonged economic stagnation or recession |
Severely hampering economic recovery and growth |
1) Disagree on extent of expected impact |
| Unemployment |
Potential increase in the short term |
Unavoidable but temporary side effect |
Significant increase in unemployment |
Devastating for individuals and families |
1) Disagree on extent of expected impact |
| Income Inequality |
Potential increase in the short term |
Necessary sacrifice for long-term fiscal health |
Significant increase in income inequality |
Disproportionately hurting the most vulnerable |
2) Agree on impact, disagree on desirability |
| Social Unrest |
Potential for protests and civil discontent |
Unavoidable but temporary side effect |
Significant increase in social unrest and protests |
Undermining social cohesion and political stability |
1) Disagree on extent of expected impact |
| Investor Confidence |
Increase in investor confidence |
Positive signal of fiscal discipline and responsibility |
Decrease in investor confidence |
Negative impact on business environment and economic prospects |
1) Disagree on extent of expected impact |
| Long-term Fiscal Sustainability |
Improved long-term fiscal sustainability |
Essential for preventing future debt crises |
Potential long-term fiscal challenges |
Austerity measures may hinder economic growth and tax revenue |
1) Disagree on extent of expected impact |
