Broad differences in life expectancy are observed across countries and socio-demographic groups. This paper reviews the evidence for Italy on the level and development of these inequalities and discusses the strength and possible determinants of the relationship between life expectancy and...

We investigate the effect of electoral rules and political regimes on fiscal policy outcomes in a panel of 61 democracies from 1960 and onwards. In presidential regimes, the size of government is smaller and less responsive to income shocks, compared to parliamentary regimes. Under majoritarian...

This paper examines German reunification from its inception. It shows that after the rapid expansion of the early years, former East Germany entered a phase of slow growth that made it impossible to bridge the gap with West Germany. Unemployment remains high, low growth rates appear ingrained,...

This work analyses the relationship between the efficiency gains and the redistributive impact of the reform aimed at introducing fiscal federalism in Italy. In the recent past the reform substituted fiscal transfers once provided by central government with local taxes. By 2001 an equalization...