Foreign minister at odds with ministry officials downsizing Nepal’s diplomatic outreach
Summary
The Nepalese government is considering reducing its diplomatic missions abroad to cut public expenditure, but disagreements between Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and ministry officials have stalled the process.
Key Points
- The Nepalese government aims to reduce bureaucracy including cutting over 25,000 civil service positions.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to downsize diplomatic missions from 44, including embassies and consulates general.
- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and ministry officials disagree on the extent and specifics of the downsizing plan.
- Pressure from Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle is influencing plans to drastically cut diplomatic missions to save government expenses.
