Michele Fenzl
@mfenzl.bsky.social
Asst Professor (tenured) of political science @Maastricht. Previously postdoc in Zurich; PhD in Govt from Essex. Interested in political behaviour, political economy, comparative politics, EP elections, and everything experiments.
Pinned
Michele Fenzl
@mfenzl.bsky.social
· Nov 29
A shadow on democracy? The shadow economy and government responsiveness
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ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Over the moon to share a (short)🧵 about my recent EJPR article on here.
In the study, I investigate the relationship between the shadow economy and a key aspect of democracy: government responsiveness to public opinion.
ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
In the study, I investigate the relationship between the shadow economy and a key aspect of democracy: government responsiveness to public opinion.
ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
Mafia governance in action
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
November 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Mafia governance in action
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
"the only offer on the table was that I needed to resign by 5pm that day or the DOJ would basically rain hell on UVA... If I did not resign that day, I was told that the DOJ would extract/block hundreds of millions of dollars from UVA before they would even negotiate."
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
A total of 12 of 15 Dutch political parties running in the October elections have proposals that violate the rule of law, according to the Dutch Bar Association.
Majority of Dutch election programmes violate rule of law, report says
A total of 12 of 15 Dutch political parties running in the October elections have proposals that violate the rule of law, according to the Dutch Bar Association.
l.euronews.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:17 PM
A total of 12 of 15 Dutch political parties running in the October elections have proposals that violate the rule of law, according to the Dutch Bar Association.
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
What do we know about negative partisanship in Western Europe?
This study in Electoral Studies examines its prevalence, components, predictors, and links to the radical right.
🔗 authors.elsevier.com/a/1lxsLxRaZn...
This study in Electoral Studies examines its prevalence, components, predictors, and links to the radical right.
🔗 authors.elsevier.com/a/1lxsLxRaZn...
October 16, 2025 at 9:12 AM
What do we know about negative partisanship in Western Europe?
This study in Electoral Studies examines its prevalence, components, predictors, and links to the radical right.
🔗 authors.elsevier.com/a/1lxsLxRaZn...
This study in Electoral Studies examines its prevalence, components, predictors, and links to the radical right.
🔗 authors.elsevier.com/a/1lxsLxRaZn...
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza this evening as it approached Palestinian territory.
Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla carrying Greta Thunberg and MEPs
The flotilla set sail in August and has pro-Palestine activists from around the world on board.
www.politico.eu
October 1, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Israel intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza this evening as it approached Palestinian territory.
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
A recent call for a multimillion-euro program run by the EU’s top research council saw a fivefold increase in US-based applicants seeking to relocate to European institutions to pursue their research ambitions.
Top US researchers rush to relocate to Europe
US-based applicants to a prestigious EU research scheme have increased five-fold.
ow.ly
September 30, 2025 at 12:21 PM
A recent call for a multimillion-euro program run by the EU’s top research council saw a fivefold increase in US-based applicants seeking to relocate to European institutions to pursue their research ambitions.
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
I'm of the view that, when @adamprz.bsky.social writes about democracy, we should pay a lot of attention... adamprzeworski.substack.com/p/musings-1
September 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM
I'm of the view that, when @adamprz.bsky.social writes about democracy, we should pay a lot of attention... adamprzeworski.substack.com/p/musings-1
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
The EU’s most prominent hard-right pressure group has received millions of euros in financial support from sources linked to Hungary’s populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, new financial disclosures show.
Orbán’s favorite Brussels think tank received millions from Budapest, new figures reveal
MCC Brussels has received more than €6 million in funding to influence debate on public policy.
www.politico.eu
September 4, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The EU’s most prominent hard-right pressure group has received millions of euros in financial support from sources linked to Hungary’s populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, new financial disclosures show.
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
Today I found in my pigeonhole 📬 the printed version of the Handbook of Affective Polarization! 😍
Thanks again to the wonderful editors @marianotorcal.bsky.social & @eelcoharteveld.bsky.social
Best bit: you do not need to buy it! It is accessible open access 👉 www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook-o...
Thanks again to the wonderful editors @marianotorcal.bsky.social & @eelcoharteveld.bsky.social
Best bit: you do not need to buy it! It is accessible open access 👉 www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook-o...
September 3, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Today I found in my pigeonhole 📬 the printed version of the Handbook of Affective Polarization! 😍
Thanks again to the wonderful editors @marianotorcal.bsky.social & @eelcoharteveld.bsky.social
Best bit: you do not need to buy it! It is accessible open access 👉 www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook-o...
Thanks again to the wonderful editors @marianotorcal.bsky.social & @eelcoharteveld.bsky.social
Best bit: you do not need to buy it! It is accessible open access 👉 www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook-o...
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
To date, 186 journalists in Gaza have been killed since the war began, according to a monitor in New York—a higher rate than in any conflict since its records began in 1992
The killing of journalists in Gaza
Almost 200 journalists have now been killed in Gaza
econ.st
August 14, 2025 at 11:00 PM
To date, 186 journalists in Gaza have been killed since the war began, according to a monitor in New York—a higher rate than in any conflict since its records began in 1992
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
August 14, 2025 at 6:05 PM
🚨🚨- PHD OPPORTUNITY - 🚨🚨
I am excited to open a PhD position! How does rising inequality reshape media and democratic politics? If you are curious to answer this question, apply by September 15! You will be working with me and Luana Russo in beautiful Maastricht!
Details at: tinyurl.com/mpzfk5me
I am excited to open a PhD position! How does rising inequality reshape media and democratic politics? If you are curious to answer this question, apply by September 15! You will be working with me and Luana Russo in beautiful Maastricht!
Details at: tinyurl.com/mpzfk5me
PhD Candidate on Political Economy/Political Behaviour
PhD Candidate on Political Economy/Political Behaviour
tinyurl.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:54 PM
🚨🚨- PHD OPPORTUNITY - 🚨🚨
I am excited to open a PhD position! How does rising inequality reshape media and democratic politics? If you are curious to answer this question, apply by September 15! You will be working with me and Luana Russo in beautiful Maastricht!
Details at: tinyurl.com/mpzfk5me
I am excited to open a PhD position! How does rising inequality reshape media and democratic politics? If you are curious to answer this question, apply by September 15! You will be working with me and Luana Russo in beautiful Maastricht!
Details at: tinyurl.com/mpzfk5me
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
🌅📙 64.3
A shadow on democracy? 😶🌫️
@mfenzl.bsky.social demonstrates the importance of studying the political impacts of the #ShadowEconomy bringing to light 💡 the impact on welfare systems and #Taxation rates 💲📈
🔗
A shadow on democracy? 😶🌫️
@mfenzl.bsky.social demonstrates the importance of studying the political impacts of the #ShadowEconomy bringing to light 💡 the impact on welfare systems and #Taxation rates 💲📈
🔗
A shadow on democracy? The shadow economy and government responsiveness
MICHELE FENZL
ejpr.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 13, 2025 at 3:40 PM
🌅📙 64.3
A shadow on democracy? 😶🌫️
@mfenzl.bsky.social demonstrates the importance of studying the political impacts of the #ShadowEconomy bringing to light 💡 the impact on welfare systems and #Taxation rates 💲📈
🔗
A shadow on democracy? 😶🌫️
@mfenzl.bsky.social demonstrates the importance of studying the political impacts of the #ShadowEconomy bringing to light 💡 the impact on welfare systems and #Taxation rates 💲📈
🔗
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
🔔 Got thoughts about cars, vans and their CO2-emissions? Let us hear them! Public consultation just opened. Details below. 🇪🇺🚗🚐🇪🇺
Commission launches public consultation on CO2 emission standards for cars and vans and on car labelling
The Commission has launched a public consultation on CO2 emission standards for cars and vans and the Car Labelling Directive. Citizens and stakeholders can help shape the EU’s path to cleaner vehicle...
climate.ec.europa.eu
July 7, 2025 at 10:28 AM
🔔 Got thoughts about cars, vans and their CO2-emissions? Let us hear them! Public consultation just opened. Details below. 🇪🇺🚗🚐🇪🇺
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
Cannot wait for my organised panel on economic and political inequalities tomorrow - with contributions from @madselk.bsky.social @mfenzl.bsky.social @breunig.bsky.social and Matthew Shaikh - if you’re interested in the politics of inequality do join us!! #EPSA2025
June 25, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Cannot wait for my organised panel on economic and political inequalities tomorrow - with contributions from @madselk.bsky.social @mfenzl.bsky.social @breunig.bsky.social and Matthew Shaikh - if you’re interested in the politics of inequality do join us!! #EPSA2025
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
The international monetary system is changing before our eyes. Germany and Italy pressed to bring gold home from US; a survey of more than 70 global central banks showed more were thinking of storing their gold domestically amid concerns about ability to access it.
www.ft.com/content/e393...
www.ft.com/content/e393...
Germany and Italy pressed to bring $245bn of gold home from US
Trump’s attacks on the Fed and growing geopolitical risks reignite public debate about repatriating bullion
www.ft.com
June 23, 2025 at 6:52 AM
The international monetary system is changing before our eyes. Germany and Italy pressed to bring gold home from US; a survey of more than 70 global central banks showed more were thinking of storing their gold domestically amid concerns about ability to access it.
www.ft.com/content/e393...
www.ft.com/content/e393...
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
I asked ICE where the “413% increase in assaults” justification for its officers using masks came from. They didn’t answer. So I dug into it, and what I found … did not boost their argument.
Gift link: wapo.st/4l7a1ch
Gift link: wapo.st/4l7a1ch
Opinion | Parsing ICE’s mixed-up, hard-to-believe assault claims
ICE officials keep touting a 413 percent increase in assaults on officers to justify officers masking their identities.
wapo.st
June 19, 2025 at 12:32 PM
I asked ICE where the “413% increase in assaults” justification for its officers using masks came from. They didn’t answer. So I dug into it, and what I found … did not boost their argument.
Gift link: wapo.st/4l7a1ch
Gift link: wapo.st/4l7a1ch
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
As Trump deploys thousands of troops in response to ICE protests, people across America are also planning on attending rallies and demonstrations.
Here's a WIRED guide on protesting safely.
Here's a WIRED guide on protesting safely.
How to Protest Safely: What to Bring, What to Do, and What to Avoid
If you’re planning to hit the streets, here’s what you need to know.
wrd.cm
June 14, 2025 at 1:24 PM
As Trump deploys thousands of troops in response to ICE protests, people across America are also planning on attending rallies and demonstrations.
Here's a WIRED guide on protesting safely.
Here's a WIRED guide on protesting safely.
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
If you'll allow me to say it, The Onion is cooking with gas today.
Kristi Noem: Sen. Padilla Had Even Deadlier Opinion That Failed To Go Off
LOS ANGELES—Stressing that she had significant reason to fear for her life during yesterday’s confrontation, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters Friday that she believed Sen. Alex P...
theonion.com
June 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
If you'll allow me to say it, The Onion is cooking with gas today.
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
Palestinians gunned down while trying to reach food aid site in Gaza, hospital says
Palestinians gunned down while trying to reach food aid site in Gaza, hospital says
Witnesses say Israeli forces opened fire on people near distribution point run by Israel-backed foundation
More than 20 people were killed on Sunday as they went to receive food at an aid distribution point set up by an Israeli-backed foundation in the Gaza Strip, according to a hospital run by the Red Cross that received the bodies.
Witnesses told the Associated Press that Israeli forces had opened fire on people as they headed toward the aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). “There were many martyrs, including women,” the 40-year-old resident said. “We were about 300 metres away from the military.” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
June 1, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Palestinians gunned down while trying to reach food aid site in Gaza, hospital says
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
NIH stops development of HIV vaccine, terminates grants to consortia, including at Duke University.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
‘Devasting.’ NIH cancels future funding plans for HIV vaccine consortia
Researchers decry agency’s decision just as new leads reinvigorate search for long-sought vaccine
www.science.org
May 31, 2025 at 12:47 AM
NIH stops development of HIV vaccine, terminates grants to consortia, including at Duke University.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
"The starvation of Gaza can be measured in the jutting ribs of a 6-year-old girl."
So begins Vivian Yee's report. Don't look away.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/w...
So begins Vivian Yee's report. Don't look away.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/w...
In Emaciated Children, Gaza’s Hunger Is Laid Bare
www.nytimes.com
May 30, 2025 at 1:47 PM
"The starvation of Gaza can be measured in the jutting ribs of a 6-year-old girl."
So begins Vivian Yee's report. Don't look away.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/w...
So begins Vivian Yee's report. Don't look away.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/w...
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
Openly and lawlessly persecuting a private organization for standing up to the authoritarian leader
New: “The Trump administration is set to cancel the federal government’s remaining federal contracts with Harvard University — worth an estimated $100 million, according to a letter that is being sent to federal agencies on Tuesday.”
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/u...
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/u...
Trump Intends to Cancel All Federal Funds Directed at Harvard
www.nytimes.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Openly and lawlessly persecuting a private organization for standing up to the authoritarian leader
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
20 out of the 27 EU countries today signed a declaration condemning Viktor Orban's ban on pride parades in Hungary.
The map very much resembles the old iron curtain divide, with the glaring exception of 🇮🇹Italy which has joined with Hungary and 5 other Eastern European countries in refusing to sign.
The map very much resembles the old iron curtain divide, with the glaring exception of 🇮🇹Italy which has joined with Hungary and 5 other Eastern European countries in refusing to sign.
May 27, 2025 at 3:42 PM
20 out of the 27 EU countries today signed a declaration condemning Viktor Orban's ban on pride parades in Hungary.
The map very much resembles the old iron curtain divide, with the glaring exception of 🇮🇹Italy which has joined with Hungary and 5 other Eastern European countries in refusing to sign.
The map very much resembles the old iron curtain divide, with the glaring exception of 🇮🇹Italy which has joined with Hungary and 5 other Eastern European countries in refusing to sign.
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
Some cool visualizations in this viral NYT piece, but I think it's less informative than its virality would make you think
Counties are big enough to cause major ecological problems (vs, eg, Catalist's use of tracts)
Composition of county electorates fluctuates ~as much via turnout over the period
Counties are big enough to cause major ecological problems (vs, eg, Catalist's use of tracts)
Composition of county electorates fluctuates ~as much via turnout over the period
May 26, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Some cool visualizations in this viral NYT piece, but I think it's less informative than its virality would make you think
Counties are big enough to cause major ecological problems (vs, eg, Catalist's use of tracts)
Composition of county electorates fluctuates ~as much via turnout over the period
Counties are big enough to cause major ecological problems (vs, eg, Catalist's use of tracts)
Composition of county electorates fluctuates ~as much via turnout over the period
Reposted by Michele Fenzl
"What we are doing in Gaza is a war of extermination: indiscriminate, unrestrained, brutal, and criminal killing of civilians,” [former Prime Minister Olmert] said."
www.huffpost.com/entry/israel...
www.huffpost.com/entry/israel...
'Indiscriminate, Unrestrained, Brutal': Former Israeli PM Calls Gaza Assault 'War Crimes'
"What we are doing in Gaza is a war of extermination," former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wrote in an op-ed aimed at Israeli citizens.
www.huffpost.com
May 26, 2025 at 2:45 PM
"What we are doing in Gaza is a war of extermination: indiscriminate, unrestrained, brutal, and criminal killing of civilians,” [former Prime Minister Olmert] said."
www.huffpost.com/entry/israel...
www.huffpost.com/entry/israel...