What happens after? An analysis of post-parliamentary private sector career positions in Germany and the Netherlands

When parliamentarians continue their career after their legislative mandate with lucrative positions in the private sector, they are often criticized by journalists and the public for not serving public interest anymore and abusing their networks and knowledge for other reasons than serving their voters. We analyse which factors account for the move to attractive positions in the business sector after MPs have finished their legislative service. Based on a self-collected dataset of German and Dutch parliamentarians, we show that on average 18 % (Germany) and 24% (Netherlands) of MPs who join the private setor can use parliament as a stepping stone to attractive positions business positions beyond parliament. Particularly leadership positions providing access to the government, to party, and commission networks predict why some MPs are more successful than others. Quite distinctly, women are less successful at obtaining attractive positions. Also, MPs’ chances to pursue a successful business career are reduced when they lose their mandate due to failed re-election, failed re-nomination, or a scandal.