The dominance of electoral considerations in determining budgetary outcomes has been evident in Hungary over the last 15 years, with government deficits reaching their highest levels in election years (1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006). This deterioration of public finances has largely been possible...

The discussion presently taking place in the large eurozone economies about the reform of the social welfare state is dominated by two assertions: Western Europe as an investment location is too expensive due to its high tax burden, and, second, countless jobs are threatened from low-wage...