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Do European elections enhance satisfaction with European Union democracy?

Author

Listed:
  • Carolina Plescia

    (Department of Government, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria)

  • Jean-François Daoust

    (Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK)

  • André Blais

Abstract

We provide the first individual-level test of whether holding supranational elections in the European Union fosters satisfaction with European Union democracy. First, we examine whether participation at the European Parliament election fosters satisfaction with democracy and whether, among those who participated, a winner–loser gap materializes at the EU level. Second, we examine under which conditions participating and winning in the election affect satisfaction with European Union democracy, focusing on the moderating role of exclusive national identity. Our approach relies on panel data collected during the 2019 European Parliament elections in eight countries. We demonstrate that while participating and winning increase satisfaction, such positive boost does not materialize among those with exclusive national identity. These findings hold an important message: elections are no cure to deep-seated alienation.

Suggested Citation

  • Carolina Plescia & Jean-François Daoust & André Blais, 2021. "Do European elections enhance satisfaction with European Union democracy?," European Union Politics, , vol. 22(1), pages 94-113, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:22:y:2021:i:1:p:94-113
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116520970280
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    References listed on IDEAS

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