Effects of Economic Freedom on Fiscal Corruption

Abstract

In this paper, factors affecting fiscal corruption, especially economic freedom, have been analyzed using three panel data models for 73 countries during 2000-2003. The results show three main components of economic freedom; i.e., legal structure and property rights, sound money and freedom to exchange with foreigners, have positive effect on fiscal corruption. Two other component of economic freedom, i.e., size of government and regulation in credit, business and labor markets, have not significant effects on fiscal corruption.

Keywords

• fiscal corruption
• economic freedom
• panel data
• administrative corruption
• political corruption