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Why Elections Prompt More Corruption, Clientelism, and Forbearance? A Study of Attitudes in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia

Author

Listed:
  • Imami Drini

    (Faculty of Economics and Agribusiness, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania)

  • Polese Abel

    (School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

Corruption is often defined as the abuse of public functions for private gain, but research has expanded this view to include clientelism and forbearance, particularly in neo-patrimonial contexts. While forbearance has been widely studied, it remains largely unexplored in Southeastern Europe, where corruption is often oversimplified. This article innovatively combines forbearance, electoral corruption, and clientelism to analyse tax authorities’ behaviour during election periods in three Western Balkan countries. Findings suggest that due to staff politicisation and various other motives, tax authorities adjust their actions around elections, aligning with forbearance and electoral clientelism. This behaviour fosters tax evasion and market distortions, highlighting the need for a more in-depth investigation into these dynamics in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Imami Drini & Polese Abel, 2025. "Why Elections Prompt More Corruption, Clientelism, and Forbearance? A Study of Attitudes in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia," Comparative Southeast European Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 73(2), pages 209-229.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:soeuro:v:73:y:2025:i:2:p:209-229:n:1001
    DOI: 10.1515/soeu-2024-0057
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • H26 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Tax Evasion and Avoidance
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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