A reliable government does what it promises
The importance of trust in government for a well-functioning democracy is undeniable. Nevertheless, a certain degree of distrust can sometimes be positive for democracy and progress, because it spurs people into action, such as protesting against government plans or campaigning for change.
Government must earn the citizen’s trust
However, when a significant part of the population loses trust in government and, as a result, no longer takes part in democratic processes such as voting, democracy falls short, because not all voices are heard in politics. This can lead to dissatisfaction, protests, civil disobedience and apathy among citizens. Nevertheless, we must ask ourselves whether the emphasis on citizens’ trust doesn’t distract from the real problem, namely the reliability of the government itself.
