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Autonomy and Accountability: Strategic Behavior of German State Leaders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Salvatore Barbaro

    (Johannes-Gutenberg University, Germany)

  • Reyn van Ewijk

    (Johannes-Gutenberg University, Germany)

  • Julia M. Rode

    (Deutsche Bundesbank, Germany)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic presented governments with unprecedented challenges, requiring decisions that balanced public health measures against substantial social and economic impacts. This study examines the strategic and opportunistic behaviors of regional officials in Germany during the pandemic. Using a comprehensive empirical analysis based on hundreds of statements from state incumbents, we shed light on the dynamics of state level political behavior. Our findings reveal that German regional leaders emphasized their autonomy when performance metrics were favorable but strategically shifted responsibility when outcomes were less favorable. This behavior underscores the dual potential of federal systems as both laboratories of democracy and breeding grounds for responsibility-avoiding (opportunistic) behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Salvatore Barbaro & Reyn van Ewijk & Julia M. Rode, 2025. "Autonomy and Accountability: Strategic Behavior of German State Leaders During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Working Papers 2503, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
    • Handle: RePEc:jgu:wpaper:2503
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