Trust is the gel that binds effective law and policy-making. It manifests itself in a simple operational rule that “your word is your bond”. If you give an undertaking to take a position or a voting line, you don’t back down from it.
The idea of keeping your word is ancient. It is mentioned in the Bible (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Back in 1598, theatregoers heard Antonio say The Merchant of Venice ) say”My word is my bond.”(Act 1, Scene 3).
If you break it, you will likely be ignored for a few years, thrown into the political wilderness, and your political allies and opponents will not trust what you. You can return from breaches after public self-flagellation and atonement for your transgressions.
Breaches of it are so rare amongst politicians from mainstream political parties that I don’t know of many cases.
Two recent cases have come to mind.
In the Council, Germany is backtracking from undertakings of support. On the passage of the packaging and packaging waste file, the Presidency was more than happy to trade Italy’s demands and guarantee of support instead of Germany’s asks, as all around the table knew it was likely to backtrack at the end. Germany’s asks were sidelined. This breakdown appears to be a product of the cantankerous relations in the then coalition.
This week’s Deforestation vote raised frustration from other groups more because it appears that the EPP backtracked on a commitment not to table any amendments. Some were confused that they voted against a text that they had recently voted for.
I’ve seen it is the Commission. If Services agree to a line to take, then one Service or person backtracks, working relations are set back for years.
And, even if you have the votes to push what you have, you’ll continue with your friends and opponents not trusting you. It is a heavy price to pay.