Municipal financial vulnerability in pandemic crises: a framework for analysis

Purpose This paper explores how global pandemic crises affect the financial vulnerability of municipalities. Design/methodology/approach is developed from relevant literature an analytical framework to examine municipal before a crisis and in its immediate aftermath by mapping systematizing dimensions sources. To illustrate it can be used evaluate robustness flexibility, such tool was applied Portugal Italy, two countries that particularly suffered Covid-19 crisis. Findings The application has shown financially vulnerable municipalities are crises. Financial relates issues ranging institutional design internal conditions perception capacity cope with Results further reveal inherent contingent nature time space lead paradoxical outcomes. Research limitations/implications provides useful for both academic public policy purposes, appreciate vulnerability, especially during Practical implications Municipalities use better manage their strengthening anticipatory copying capacities, while oversight authorities help become less or, at least, more aware vulnerability. Originality/value Municipal shocks not been explored extensively. Also, different previous as affected society overnight implementation lockdown social distancing measures.