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Sick of Politics?

Author

Listed:
  • Jon H. Fiva
  • Jo Thori Lind
  • Bjørn-Atle Reme
  • Henning Øien

Abstract

Political office involves stress, long hours, and media scrutiny, which may harm politicians' health. However, winning prestigious positions can increase social status, income, and connections, potentially offsetting these harms. We investigate the health effects of political promotions using comprehensive Norwegian administrative data on public health care utilization. Using an event study framework, we assess health outcomes by comparing newly elected mayors to controls matched by gender, age group, and education within the same municipality. While securing full-time office results in a substantial income boost, we find no evidence of adverse health effects. On the contrary, winning office leads to a sustained modest reduction in both general doctor visits and mental health consultations. This evidence runs counter to common concerns about the toll of political careers, pointing to potential health benefits associated with political advancement.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon H. Fiva & Jo Thori Lind & Bjørn-Atle Reme & Henning Øien, 2025. "Sick of Politics?," CESifo Working Paper Series 11881, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11881
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    File URL: https://www.ifo.de/DocDL/cesifo1_wp11881.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    political selection; returns from office; health consequences; event study; administrative data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions

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