Macroeconomic determinants of public debt growth: A case study for Tunisia

Abstract

This article offers an econometric investigation of the macroeconomic determinants of public debt in Tunisia using VECM model for the period 1986-2015. The results of the full sample analysis reveal that inflation and investment reduce the value of public debt. However, real interest rate, budget deficit and trade openness increase public debt. The study shows also the budget deficit is the most important determinant of public debt in Tunisia