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Why the debt brake is a threat to democracy in Germany: The austerity mandate is increasing disillusionment with established political parties

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  • Copelovitch, Mark
  • Ziblatt, Daniel

Abstract

It was a drumbeat: On November 15, 2023, the Federal Constitutional Court declared the second supplementary budget unconstitutional. The federal government had to significantly reschedule the budget, with a sudden shortfall of 60 billion euros. The court based its decision on the debt brake enshrined in the Basic Law. Mark Copelovitch and Daniel Ziblatt reflect in their analysis on the effect of these conditions. For them, the debt brake is not just an obstacle to economic development. Rather, they see it as a threat to democracy in Germany and Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Copelovitch, Mark & Ziblatt, Daniel, 2024. "Why the debt brake is a threat to democracy in Germany: The austerity mandate is increasing disillusionment with established political parties," WZB-Mitteilungen: Quartalsheft für Sozialforschung, WZB Berlin Social Science Center, issue 183 (1/24.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wzbmtn:327899
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thiemo Fetzer, 2019. "Did Austerity Cause Brexit?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 109(11), pages 3849-3886, November.
    2. John Ahlquist & Mark Copelovitch & Stefanie Walter, 2020. "The Political Consequences of External Economic Shocks: Evidence from Poland," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 64(4), pages 904-920, October.
    3. Hübscher, Evelyne & Sattler, Thomas & Wagner, Markus, 2023. "Does Austerity Cause Polarization?," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 53(4), pages 1170-1188, October.
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