The violent demonstrations that forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation and prompted the army to patrol the streets were not, as many believe, a simple reaction to a social media ban. That ban was merely the fuse. The real explosives were years of pent-up rage against a corrupt and out-of-touch political elite—the very “nepo kids” who flaunt their wealth while the majority of Nepalis struggle.
The fact that protesters from “Gen Z” have had to distance themselves from the resulting violence is a tragic sign that a genuine, grassroots movement has been hijacked by opportunists.
The most damning indictment of Nepal’s political establishment is that even with a nationwide curfew and the army deployed, there is no clear path forward. Oli’s sudden resignation has left a dangerous leadership vacuum.
The old guard, represented by parties like the Nepali Congress, have been discredited just as much as Oli’s government, with their buildings and homes set ablaze. The chaos on the streets, including the arson at the Supreme Court and the parliament building was a carefully laid symbolic act of defiance against a system that has consistently failed its people since the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
The youth-led movement, which began with a call for accountability and an end to corruption, has now exposed a deeper truth: the political system itself is fundamentally broken. Without a credible leader or party to rally behind, the risk of continued instability is severe.
What Happens Now?
Nepal’s future depends on a swift and decisive pivot from chaos to constructive action. First, the Gen Z protesters, having proven their power, must form a united front and select a clear, non-partisan spokesperson to engage with the president and international community. They must resist the urge to align with any of the discredited political factions.
Thereafter, a new, interim government must be formed, but it should not be a coalition of the same old faces. It should be composed of technocrats and respected civil society leaders who can credibly oversee a genuine reform process. This includes holding the security forces accountable for the deaths of over 20 protesters. Finally, there must be a complete overhaul of the anti-corruption framework.
This means independent commissions with real teeth, transparent financial audits of government officials and their families, and a commitment to prosecute those who have looted public funds. The Gen Z movement has become an unprecedented opportunity for a political reset, but it can only succeed if it remains disciplined, united, and focused on its core demands for a proper, non-corrupt government.
