The Political Effects of 'Risky Reforms'

Abstract

This panel examines the political and electoral effects of risky reforms such as fiscal consolidation measures, cuts on social welfare and education policies, and changes in the tax mix of countries. The papers share a common interest in assessing the ability of party governments to carry out risky reforms in times of austerity and financial crisis. In addition, the contributions to this panel, which are both, quantitative and qualitative in nature, are particularly focusing on the strategic dimensions of policy-making by assessing potential political and electoral ramifications of such electorally risky reforms. The papers included in the panel thus depart from a strict focus on the impact of government ideology on policy reforms by taking into account how strategic considerations of party governments affect their legislative activities and policy output.