One Year of Gen Z Rebellion and Populism in Nepali Politics
Summary
One year after Nepal’s Gen Z rebellion, a political essay argues that populism has deepened rather than receded under the current Shah-led government. It says exclusion, institutional favoritism toward military bodies, and the creation of a loyal social stratum are weakening Nepali democracy.
Key Points
- The article marks one year since Nepal’s Gen Z rebellion and frames it as a response to long-standing populism in Nepali politics.
- It argues that populism became widespread during the rise of former government chief KP Oli and has since been further institutionalized under Balendra Shah’s leadership.
- The essay says the current government promotes exclusion by dismissing the achievements of the past 35 years and sidelining political parties, press, and trade unions.
- It claims the government is favoring military institutions over civil institutions, citing the Bhote Koshi flood response and the Hetauda Garment Industry revival as examples.
