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Dutch municipal elections 1998-2018: more localism and fragmentation

Author

Listed:
  • Raymond Gradus

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Elbert Dijkgraaf

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Tjerk Budding

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

Exploring the outcome of Dutch municipal elections between 1998 and 2018, this paper finds two dominant trends: increasing political fragmentation and localism. When explaining localism, the number of inhabitants, regional diversity and the election year dummies are significant. The last result gives some indication for a welfare hypothesis as a large decentralisation of Dutch social policy took place in 2007 and 2015. Some evidence is found for a merger effect of more or less equal municipalities. There is evidence as well that more fragmentation in the municipal council leads to more aldermen. The number of aldermen is also depending on the number of inhabitants and a merger effect in case of two municipalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Raymond Gradus & Elbert Dijkgraaf & Tjerk Budding, 2020. "Dutch municipal elections 1998-2018: more localism and fragmentation," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 20-022/V, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20200022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon Otjes, 2018. "Pushed by national politics or pulled by localism? Voting for independent local parties in the Netherlands," Local Government Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(3), pages 305-328, May.
    2. Elinder, Mikael & Jordahl, Henrik, 2013. "Political preferences and public sector outsourcing," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 43-57.
    3. Elbert Dijkgraaf & Raymond Gradus, 2007. "Explaining Sunday Shop Policies," De Economist, Springer, vol. 155(2), pages 207-219, June.
    4. Stijn Goeminne & Benny Geys & Carine Smolders, 2008. "Political fragmentation and projected tax revenues: evidence from Flemish municipalities," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 15(3), pages 297-315, June.
    5. Maarten A. Allers & J. Bieuwe Geertsema, 2016. "The Effects Of Local Government Amalgamation On Public Spending, Taxation, And Service Levels: Evidence From 15 Years Of Municipal Consolidation," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(4), pages 659-682, September.
    6. Simon Otjes, 2020. "Going Local. Voting for independent local Parties in the Netherlands 1986-2010," Local Government Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(1), pages 91-115, January.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H76 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Other Expenditure Categories
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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