Gen Z rewrote Nepal’s political landscape, but institutional reform remains elusive
Summary
Nepal’s Gen Z movement upended the country’s political order, helping weaken established parties and propel new forces like the Rastriya Swatantra Party into the center of national politics. But the deeper goals of institutional reform, accountability, employment and anti-corruption progress remain largely unmet.
Key Points
- The September 8–9, 2025 Gen Z movement triggered deadly unrest, toppled the KP Sharma Oli government and led to an interim administration under Sushila Karki.
- The March 5 election reshaped Nepal’s political landscape, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party winning a strong mandate and new leaders rising in prominence.
- Despite some immediate crisis-response measures, corruption, unemployment, disaster preparedness and accountability remain unresolved.
- Reconstruction of damaged public buildings is moving slowly, and questions remain over the violence, arson and destruction during the protests.
