In this paper, we argue that many of the rigidities that characterize European labour markets can be understood as the outcome of political influence by incumbent employees. We then empirically investigate the determinants of labour market institutions and show that the results are consistent...

We develop a model to analyse the implications of firing costs on international specialization.

The dual motives of housing behaviour, consumption and investment, make the analysis of housing purchases quite difficult. Nevertheless, it is better to refer to a model that keeps the two-dimensional aspects of housing. In the absence of institutional considerations, this model predicts that it...

A growing body of new research has emphasized the macroeconomic consequences of transactional impediments in factor markets, and their role in the recurrent restructuring requirements of modern economies. We first review the function institutional arrangements play in facilitating transactions...

The paper considers a simple "three goods" model in which firms simultaneously decide hiring workers. The production is sold later at a market clearing price; the buyers'purchasing power depend on their income, that itself depends on the firms'previous decisions. The rational expectations...

In this paper we analyze the performance of the French economy in light of the labour market regulations that prevail in this country. We argue that, due to such regulation, the French economy is locked at a high unemployment trap with low labour mobility and low sectorial reallocation.