officialism; red tape; bureaucratic stench
Pejorative term for the rigid, self-serving, or obstructive behavior of officials; literally 'bureaucrat stench'. Often used in critical commentary about government or corporate bureaucracy.
I sensed officialism in the way that government office handled things.
I got fed up with the red-tape-ridden procedures.
Compound of 吏 (り, 'official, bureaucrat') and 臭 (しゅう, 'smell, stench'). The metaphorical use of 'stench' to describe bureaucratic behavior is a natural extension, but the exact historical origin is uncertain.