The IMF has warned that global government debt is on track to reach 100% of global GDP by 2029—the highest level seen since the aftermath of World War II.
In its latest Fiscal Monitor Report, the IMF cites long-term spending pressures—climate response, healthcare, aging populations, and infrastructure—compounded by reluctance to raise taxes in politically sensitive environments.
Many advanced economies including the U.S., UK, France, Japan, and Canada are forecast to exceed or approach this 100% threshold. Meanwhile, emerging and low-income countries face fiscal stress even with comparatively lower debt ratios.
The IMF criticized the sluggishness of debt restructuring mechanisms such as the Common Framework, deeming them slow and inadequate to support distressed nations.
For South Asian media, this is a sobering reminder that global debt stress will eventually trickle down—impacting interest costs, credit ratings, and funding for public services.