Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

political-cronyism

Noun

pəˈlɪtɪkəl ˈkroʊniɪzəm

Definition

A practice where public officials favor friends, relatives, or associates when making decisions about appointments, contracts, or other government-related benefits.

Examples

The mayor’s administration was criticized for its political cronyism, as many key positions were filled by friends rather than experienced professionals.
Political cronyism can undermine public trust in government institutions.
The scandal revealed how political cronyism had influenced government contracts in favor of certain businesses.

Meaning

Political cronyism occurs when political leaders grant jobs and favors to their trusted friends and party loyalists rather than to qualified individuals based on merit, leading to corruption and inefficiency in governance.