Regionalised party systems lead to lower social spending

Regional identities and political parties have become increasingly important in several European countries. Ignacio Jurado studies the level of party system nationalisation in 22 OECD countries and its implication for social policies. He finds that regionalised party systems provide lower levels of social spending, particularly in national health programmes. He also argues that in the current climate of economic challenges, the regionalisation of party systems may significantly influence welfare state dynamics and national social policy provisions.