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Political Polarization and Legislative Gridlock: A Comparative High-Frequency Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Marina Diakonova

    (Banco de España)

  • Julia Estefania-Flores

    (Banco de España)

  • Corinna Ghirelli

    (Banco de España)

  • Ana Peñalosa

    (Banco de España)

  • Javier J. Pérez

    (Banco de España)

  • Aitana Simó

    (Banco de España)

Abstract

We propose a narrative-based approach to construct high-frequency measures of political polarization and legislative gridlock for seven democracies: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Our indices reveal that polarization has risen markedly since the Global Financial and Sovereign Debt Crises, with a faster increase in North America than in Europe. Through a range of exercises we show that the two indices respond differently to elections and unified government control, and that the latter weakens the pass-through between political polarization and gridlock. Consistent with the literature, we also find that investment declines following an increase in either index. Together, these high-frequency, cross-country measures provide a new tool for comparative political economy analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Diakonova & Julia Estefania-Flores & Corinna Ghirelli & Ana Peñalosa & Javier J. Pérez & Aitana Simó, 2026. "Political Polarization and Legislative Gridlock: A Comparative High-Frequency Approach," Working Papers 2636, Banco de España.
    • Handle: RePEc:bde:wpaper:2636e
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.53479/44585
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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
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • H3 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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