Vertrauensbekundung

Vertrauensbekundung is a German noun meaning an expression of trust or a declaration of confidence. In political contexts it refers to an explicit statement by a person or body that it trusts or supports another person or institution, such as a government, minister, or political leadership.

Use and function

A Vertrauensbekundung is typically employed in moments of political uncertainty or during coalition negotiations to publicly signal continued backing. It is related to, but distinct from, procedural instruments such as a Vertrauensfrage (vote of confidence). While a Vertrauensfrage is a formal test of whether the government retains the confidence of the parliament, a Vertrauensbekundung is mainly a political communication that may accompany such a vote or stand alone as a sign of support. The practical consequences of a Vertrauensbekundung depend on constitutional rules and political conventions of the country; in some systems a failure to maintain broad support can lead to resignations or elections, while in others it may have no automatic legal effect.

Etymology and usage

The term is formed from Vertrauen (trust) and Bekundung (declaration, expression). It is commonly found in German-language political discourse, especially in Germany and Austria, and appears with varying frequency in Swiss contexts. In everyday language, similar phrases may be used, but Vertrauensbekundung remains a formal or semi-formal political expression rather than a strictly defined legal instrument.

See also

Vertrauensfrage, Vertraulichkeit, Regierung, Parlamentsmehrheit.