The political hourglass: opportunistic behavior in local government policy decisions

The aim of this article is to determine whether there opportunistic behavior in local government decisions related contracting out, public-private partnership (PPP) and/or public externalization. Analysis the results obtained from applying a fixed effects panel data model sample 2,274 Spanish municipalities supports existence asymmetric behavior. Specifically, strong evidence that preelection years, less likelihood out and PPP being approved, greater probability externalization taking place. In post-election an increase capital spending associated with lower PPP. An current years reduces taken on These empirical highlight extent selecting management forms for delivery services.