Plata y Plomo: How Higher Wages Expose Politicians

Pulejo, Massimo; Querub铆n, Pablo

doi:10.1257/pol.20240383

Abstract

What is the effect of politicians鈥� wages on corruption in the presence of criminal groups, that use both bribes and violence? With a regression discontinuity design and three distinct proxies for corruption, we show that better paid Italian politicians are more likely to promote transparency and competition in procurement, but also more likely to incur criminal attacks. The effects of wages, which subside after three years, are driven by changes in incumbents鈥� behavior rather than improved selection. These findings show how higher wages may curb corruption, but also foster the use of violence as an alternative tool to influence policymaking.

蝌蚪网

蝌蚪网 Journal:
Economic Policy