Intergovernmental fiscal transfers as pork barrel

This paper simultaneously analyses the determinants of intergovernmental fiscal transfers and the votes that these transfers earn in subsequent legislative elections in Portugal. Results suggest that election year increases in transfers by the central government to municipalities secure added votes, and that these transfers are targeted at jurisdictions where the government faces risk of losing support.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Programa Operacional Ciência e Inovação 2010 (POCI 2010)Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER