Abstract From a political economy perspective, politicians often fail to implement structural reforms. In this contribution we investigate if the resistance to reform is based on the differences in the risk preferences of voters, politicians, and bureaucrats. Based on three surveys among the...

Abstract Modifications in pay-as-you-go pension schemes are regularly met with broad public opposition. It is therefore rational for politicians who are interested in reelection to delay necessary reforms as long as possible. Short-termism is the result. Drawing on the concepts of constitutional...