The Political Economy of Democracies: Three Empirical Essays

How do government actions shape trust in democracy, public health, and voter behavior? This dissertation examines these questions in two contrasting democracies: France, a high-income country with advanced institutions, and Brazil, a middle-income nation marked by strong regional inequalities. The research explores how governments' responsiveness to local needs affects the use of public services, public trust, and political engagement.

In France, the study examines how the government ignored the 2005 public vote rejecting a European treaty. This led to political disengagement and increased support for extreme parties, demonstrating that when people feel unheard, their trust in democracy suffers.

In Brazil, the research explores a healthcare program aimed at improving services in rural and underserved areas. It finds that better healthcare access increased voter support for the government behind the policy. However, the abrupt, politically motivated departure of Cuban doctors, a key part of the program, disrupted primary healthcare, leading to delays in chronic care and overcrowded emergency rooms.

The findings highlight that governments must address local needs with fair and responsive policies to build trust and improve lives. By combining insights from economics, political science, and public health, this dissertation provides perspectives on how to strengthen democratic systems in the face of inequality and regional disparities.