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How to assess debt sustainability? Some theory and empirical evidence for selected euro area countries

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  • Bettina Fincke
  • Alfred Greiner

Abstract

In this article we elaborate on the test proposed by Bohn (1998) that suggests to study whether the primary surplus relative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a positive function of the public debt to GDP ratio in order to detect whether debt policies are sustainable. We argue that this should be complemented by additional tests for countries with rising debt to GDP ratios. We, then, apply that test to some countries of the euro area. In addition, we perform stationarity tests with respect to the real deficit inclusive of interest payments in order to gain additional insight. We conclude that there is empirical evidence that the chosen paths of fiscal policies are sustainable for the countries we consider, although there are country specific differences in debt policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Bettina Fincke & Alfred Greiner, 2012. "How to assess debt sustainability? Some theory and empirical evidence for selected euro area countries," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(28), pages 3717-3724, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:44:y:2012:i:28:p:3717-3724
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2011.581213
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Bohn, Henning, 1995. "The Sustainability of Budget Deficits in a Stochastic Economy," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 27(1), pages 257-271, February.
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