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An end to austerity will not boost Europe. Martin Feldstein, July 9, 2013, Opinion. "The eurozone periphery is on a risky path to end fiscal austerity and accept larger budget deficits. Portugal is the most recent dramatic shift in that direction; Italy, Spain and even France are also abandoning plans to cut spending and raise taxes. This move away from budget discipline reflects a combination of popular political pressure, more accommodating bond markets and encouragement from the International Monetary Fund. But ending fiscal austerity is not a strategy for achieving growth. It will reduce downward pressure on aggregate spending but will not lift growth and employment..." Link verified March 28, 2014