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The Political Economy of Technocratic Governments

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  • Guido Merzoni

    (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

  • Federico Trombetta

    (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

Abstract

This paper proposes a game theoretical model of technocratic government, i.e. cases where a non political technocrat is put in charge by political parties. We find conditions for the existence of a technocratic government equilibrium, where parties agree to delegate the agenda setting power to technocrats, committed to maximize social welfare. Such an equilibrium exists only if technocrats are more competent than ordinary politicians. Furthermore, we show that unstable parliaments increase the range of parameters where a technocratic government equilibrium exists. Polarization can also increase the likelihood of a technocratic government.

Suggested Citation

  • Guido Merzoni & Federico Trombetta, 2025. "The Political Economy of Technocratic Governments," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 64(4), pages 879-913, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sochwe:v:64:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s00355-024-01551-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s00355-024-01551-0
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation

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