party bureaucrat; apparatchik
Refers to a full-time official within a political party, especially one who wields influence through organizational roles rather than electoral popularity. Often carries a slightly critical or insider tone, similar to 'apparatchik' in English.
The intentions of the party bureaucrats were strongly reflected in the policy decisions.
He is not an elected legislator but holds power within the party as a party bureaucrat.
党員 is a general party member, whereas 党官僚 denotes a professional party official or functionary with administrative influence.
Compound of 党 (party) and 官僚 (bureaucrat). The term is a straightforward combination describing a bureaucratic official within a political party.