They say its tough and takes a long time to get promoted in government agency vs. private company today.?

Question

How true is it? What are the factors that could influence such?

Answer 1

The big factor in either case is....Is the workplace unionized??

If it is unionized, most promotions are based on senority.
If it is not unionized, most promotions are based on office politics.

A hard worker has a better chance for promotions, in a private company, especially, a non unionized company.