Mariana Lopes da Fonseca

Mariana Lopes da Fonseca is an Assistant Professor of Economic Policy at the School of Management (SIAW) of the University of St. Gallen. She holds a PhD and is affiliated with the Department of Economic Policy. Her research focuses on Public Economics and Political Economy, with emphasis on taxation policies, gender representation in politics, and institutional accountability mechanisms.

Her work investigates topics such as the impact of gender quotas on legislative behavior, the role of electoral systems in shaping policy outcomes, and the dynamics of local fiscal governance. Recent studies include analyses of political accountability in Swiss legislative bodies, tax policy framing in Portugal, and favoritism in public appointments across German states.

Mariana’s publications span 2015 to 2024, reflecting a consistent focus on political institutions, fiscal policy design, and gender dynamics in governance. She has contributed to debates on lame-duck effects in local fiscal decisions and the economic implications of electoral reforms. Her research methodologies often employ quasi-experimental designs to evaluate policy impacts.