Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/199072 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
ifo Working Paper No. 298
Publisher: 
ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, Munich
Abstract: 
We estimate the causal effect of direct elections on the economic performance of politicians. Candidates running in direct elections to head local governments in the German state of Brandenburg need an absolute majority, and votes for the winner must represent at least 15% of eligible voters. If the quorum is not reached, direct elections are suspended, and local councils appoint the head of government. We examine election outcomes around the quorum, where the form of government is arguably exogenous. Event study results show that the public employment service becomes somewhat more effective under directly elected politicians. However, directly elected politicians do not seem to attract more businesses or expedite administrative acts.
Subjects: 
Direct elections
constitutions
government form
local government
economic
performance
public services
Germany
JEL: 
D72
H40
H75
R50
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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