As commonly acknowledged, a strong link exists between economics and electoral results. Voters typically form their opinion on government performance by observing macroeconomic indicators. But during the crisis when the economy is declining everywhere and the responsibility for the outcomes is blurred, the need arises to look for other sources of information. In a situation like this, the way governments react to economic fluctuations gains importance. Using individual-level and macroeconomic data for 24 European countries from before, during and after the peak of the crisis, this paper explores public reaction to economic policies. It tests the assumption that while austerity measures are generally unpopular, they may find public approval in the midst of the economic crisis as voters perceive the cuts inevitable and temporary. Moreover, the article considers the possibility that the relationship between policies and incumbent support is conditioned by clarity of responsibility. If policies are externally imposed, then voters are less willing to hold national governments accountable. Therefore, the effect can be expected to depend on the extent to which national governments share responsibility for economic policies with supranational and intergovernmental institutions. Higher levels of international intervention in national policy-making should weaken the punishment of incumbents for unpopular measures.
