We consider misconceptions about the functioning of the economy as one possible explanation for the emergence of crises in democracies. Furthermore, we study a political process which may lead to successful reform. First of all, we show that voters can make inefficient decisions concerning...

Die vorliegende Studie zeigt auf Basis der IW-Personenbefragung 2024, dass rund 62 Prozent der Deutschen die Wahl des Europäischen Parlaments für wichtig halten. Dies ist das Ergebnis unter rund 5.200 Befragten. Der Anteil liegt damit in etwa so hoch wie die Wahlbeteiligung im Jahr 2019. Die...

Die Alterung der deutschen Bevölkerung führt in der umlagefinanzierten Gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung zu höheren Beiträgen bei sinkendem Sicherungsniveau. Dies ließe sich bremsen, wenn mit steigender Regelaltersgrenze der Renteneintritt später erfolgte. Jedoch bevorzugt die Bevölkerung...

Independent candidates remain marginal vote-getters in the vast majority of elections in which they compete. However, they do regularly win seats in legislative assemblies in a number of European countries, and occasionally achieve surprise victories in others. Half of the EU member states...

Polish politicians are increasingly often referring to the prospect of next yearu0092s elections to the European Parliament. Voters, however, are still unaware of the fact that these elections are to take place. Only 27% of Poles know that they will be choosing their representatives to the...

Some financial products facilitate (“Financial Instruments”’) the use of voting rights that can be considered questionable under the law (“Questionable Uses of Voting Rights”). These Questionable Uses of Voting Rights become apparent when, using the Financial Instruments, an investor...

Following each election in the European Parliament, the European Commission issues a report examining how EU citizens' rights were enforced and how the relevant EU rules were implemented by the Member States and assessing EU citizens' participation and the overall conduct of the elections. The...