The Impact of Public Budget Variables on Selected Indicators of Fiscal Sustainability – A General Perspective on The Iraqi Economy: A Case Study for The Period (2004–2021)

This study investigates the relationship between key public budget indicators and two principal ratios: the public debt-to-GDP ratio and total ‎public revenues-to-GDP ratio, to evaluate fiscal sustainability in Iraq. It further examines the dynamics of these relationships to enhance ‎fiscal stability and strengthen the economy's resilience to external and internal shocks. Findings indicate that Iraq has heavily relied on oil ‎revenues to finance public expenditures, with minimal contributions from alternative sources such as taxes. Moreover, the persistent dominance of current expenditures over investment spending has intensified structural imbalances, undermining fiscal sustainability. Econometric ‎analysis confirms that public budget variables significantly influence fiscal sustainability indicators, highlighting the structural challenges of ‎a resource-dependent economy.