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Public Attitudes towards Central Bank Independence: Lessons From the Foundation of the ECB

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  • Muhammad Azmat Hayat

    (EQUIPPE - Economie Quantitative, Intégration, Politiques Publiques et Econométrie - Université de Lille, Sciences et Technologies - Université de Lille, Sciences Humaines et Sociales - PRES Université Lille Nord de France - Université de Lille, Droit et Santé)

  • Etienne Farvaque

    (EQUIPPE - Economie Quantitative, Intégration, Politiques Publiques et Econométrie - Université de Lille, Sciences et Technologies - Université de Lille, Sciences Humaines et Sociales - PRES Université Lille Nord de France - Université de Lille, Droit et Santé)

Abstract

This study examines public opinion in 15 European countries, on the proposal to establish an independent European Central Bank (ECB). Using data from Euro- barometer surveys for 1998 to 2000, which included a speci c question on this issue, we show that in ation performance is not su cient to explain people's preference for an independent central bank: personal characteristics and circumstances have a stronger impact, with gender, employment status, education level, income quartiles, and degree of information and civic concern showing particular relevance.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Azmat Hayat & Etienne Farvaque, 2012. "Public Attitudes towards Central Bank Independence: Lessons From the Foundation of the ECB," Working Papers hal-00988169, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-00988169
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.univ-lille.fr/hal-00988169
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    2. Nataliia Kostiuchenko, 2015. "A Challenge Of Trust: Can Distrust Kill The Euro?," Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, Publishing house "Baltija Publishing", vol. 1(1).

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