Nomenklatúrasz

Nomenklatúrasz is a term originating from Hungarian, referring to a system of elite appointments within communist states, particularly in Eastern Europe. It describes the list of key positions within the party, government, and economy, the occupants of which were carefully selected and approved by the ruling Communist Party. The nomenklatúrasz was not a formal document but rather an informal understanding and practice that ensured party loyalty and control over all significant spheres of public life.

Membership in the nomenklatúrasz granted individuals significant privileges, access to resources, and social status, but it also entailed strict adherence to party ideology and directives. Individuals on this list were often career politicians, high-ranking officials, or prominent figures in state-controlled organizations. The system created a distinct social stratum, often referred to as the "nomenklatúra," which wielded considerable power and influence, frequently to the detriment of meritocracy and genuine public service. The decline of communist regimes in the late 20th century led to the dismantling of the nomenklatúrasz system, although its legacy in terms of entrenched elites and patronage networks can still be observed in some post-communist societies.