In Cologne, Klüngel names a system of favors done on a basis of mutual help. German Wikipedia notes that in everyday Cologne usage the word is also meant positively. The saying Mer kennt sich, mer hilft sich, we know each other, we help each other, is attributed to Konrad Adenauer. In 1977 the new chief city administrator, Kurt Rossa, introduced himself to the city council with the words Nehmt mich auf in Euren Klüngel!, take me into your Klüngel! In April 2018 the supervisory board of the Cologne municipal utility proposed a council politician for a new, well-paid managing director post, without a public tender. After the mayor intervened and public criticism grew, the board called off the vote.