Work

From Rhetoric to Reality: Assessing the Effects of Populism on Corruption

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship between populism and corruption, focusing on the impact of the rise of populist parties on different kinds of corruption levels in a sample of 30 European countries over a recent period (1993–2019). Utilizing feasible‐generalized least square estimators, our quantitative analysis reveals a positive correlation between the share of seats held by populist parties and both grand and passive corruption, whereas populist electoral support is negatively correlated with public sector active corruption. The findings, robust to several different robustness tests, suggest that while electoral support for populist parties contributes to a decline in petty and active corruption, once in power there is an increase in grand and passive corruption. The consequences of these findings are discussed. In short, this study sheds light on the nuanced dynamics between populism and corruption, providing crucial empirical insights into the consequences of populist movements on governance and integrity.

Source: Economics and Politics

DOI: 10.1111/ecpo.12346

Authors: Vincenzo Alfano, Salvatore Capasso

Institutions: Ifo Institute for Economic Research, Parthenope University of Naples, National Research Council, Centre for Studies in Economics and Finance, University of Naples Federico II

Language: English

Topic: Corruption and Economic Development

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,240