Cronyism is partiality to long standing friends, especially by appointing them to public office without regard for their qualifications. The word "cronyism" is always used derogatorily.
Governments are particularly susceptible to accusations of cronyism as they spend public money. This is why democratic governments are encouraged to have transparency in their accounting and contracting processes.
Virtually all Presidents of the United States have been accused of cronyism by someone at sometime, but, since the word means appointment of long-standing friends who are not qualified for the position, appointment of long-standing friends who are qualified is not cronyism.
