This study aims to explore the effects of public spending on internal migration empirically.
A data set is constructed by using the public spending and internal migration data of 26 Statistical Regional Units in Türkiye for the period between 2006 and 2020. The dynamic common correlated effects method is used in the analysis process. The derived models determine the short- and long-term effects of public expenditures and their sub-components on migration flows.
According to the findings, public expenditures positively affect inflow in the short and long terms. In contrast, it has only a short-run and inverse effect on outflow. Also, sub-items of public expenditures have the potential to direct the internal migration flow differently. While defense expenditures are a push factor for a given region, education, health, social security and social assistance spending are pull factors.
This study shows that public spending policies can shape internal migration flows. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature to empirically reveal the effects of public expenditures and their sub-components on internal migration, apart from structural and chronic problems.
