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Voting on Parametric Reforms of the Pay-As-You-Go Pension System

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  • Casamatta, Georges
  • Brasil Gondim, João Luis

Abstract

We assess the political support for parametric reforms of the Pay-As-You-Go pension system following a downward fertility shock. Using a continuous time overlapping generations model, we show that, for a large class of utility functions, the majority of the population favor a cut in pension benefits over an increase in the contribution rate. Our framework also allows us to evaluate the political support for raising the retirement age and to determine how the timing of the different reforms affect their political support.

Suggested Citation

  • Casamatta, Georges & Brasil Gondim, João Luis, 2008. "Voting on Parametric Reforms of the Pay-As-You-Go Pension System," CEPR Discussion Papers 6993, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:6993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fertility shock; Parametric reforms; Pay-as-you-go;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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