Nepal in Turmoil: Gen-Z Protest, Political upheaval, and the Quest for Reform

• September 21, 2025

Nepal in Turmoil: Gen-Z Protest, Political upheaval, and the Quest for Reform

Abstract

Nepal witnessed unprecedented nationwide protests led primarily by the Gen-Z population, triggered by the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms and long-standing grievances including corruption, political instability, and youth unemployment. The demonstrations rapidly escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in significant loss of life, injuries, and destruction of public and private property, ultimately leading to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the appointment of SushilaKarki as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal. This article analyzes the structural, social, and immediate factors contributing to the upheaval, chronicles the timeline of the protests, examines the constitutional and governance challenges, and proposes reforms to strengthen accountability, inclusiveness, and stability in Nepal’s political system. The study underscores the necessity of a measured, reform-oriented approach, beginning with comprehensive constitutional review, to ensure long-term democratic resilience and good governance in Nepal.

 

Introduction

On September 9 (Bhadra 24), all of Nepal was in turmoil. The three pillars of democracy the Judiciary, the Executive, and the Legislature seemed to have been reduced to ashes. Both the old and the newly parliament were destroyed. Some politicians fled by helicopter, while others were captured by protesters and subjected to kicks and blows. Unlike earlier protests, which had been largely confined to Kathmandu, this uprising spread throughout the country. It was one of the fastest governmental transformations witnessed in the world.

What was the reason for this Himalayan country who always whisper the resilience, mysticism and quiet diplomacy turn into the voice of cries and the violence. Who are Protesting and for what reason and how one of the fastest government transformation takes place in world?

Why did a typically reserved Himalayan nation explode into violence?

The causes are complex and interlinked. No single factors explains the scale and speed of the upheaval; rather, a set of structural failures, social grievances and an immediate trigger combined to produce the crisis.

1. Corruption: The major trigger for such protests is corruption. Nepal’s ranking in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index is disgracefully low (107th out of 180 countries) Additionally, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) — the international organization established to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing — has placed Nepal on its “grey list.
2. Nepo-Kids Flexing: One of the major triggers of public frustration was the phenomenon of so-called “nepo-kids” flaunting their wealth on social media. These individuals were neither the children of established business families nor known to have inherited significant wealth. This led Gen Z to question how they could afford such a luxurious lifestyle and high-quality foreign education. These concerns spread rapidly online, with hashtags like #nepokids and #nepobabies trending across platforms, symbolizing resentment toward privilege and corruption.
3. Political Instability: Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has witnessed 14 different governments, none of which have completed a full five-year term. The frequent change of prime ministers has created a sense of revolving leadership, undermining policy continuity and stability. Moreover, the absence of a strong and consistent parliamentary opposition has further weakened the system of checks and balances.
4. Lack of Employment Opportunities: As of the latest available data, approximately 12.6% of Nepalese youth are unemployed and actively seeking employment opportunities. This situation has prompted a significant number of young individuals to seek employment abroa In fact, around 500,000 Nepali workers leave the country annually for foreign employment. Remittances from these migrant workers constitute a substantial portion of Nepal's economy, accounting for approximately 26.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023.This reliance on remittances underscores the limited domestic employment opportunities available. The scarcity of local job prospects has led some individuals to consider extreme measures, such as participating in foreign conflicts, in pursuit of employment. This trend highlights the severity of the unemployment issue among Nepal's youth.

Immediate trigger

On sepember 4, 2025 government take the decision to shut down all unregistered social media Platforms, blocking altogether 26 social media appincluding Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul, and HamroPatro.The registration requirement had been motivated in parts to disable all those media. Gen Z took this decision as as a violation of their fundamental right and consider this as unconstitutionalThe name of one institution known as the Hami Nepal, founded by Sudan Gurung was highlighted at most. They all united through the discord an open platform and organized a protest. Even this organization seek permission from CDO to conduct Protest in the Kathmandu district. Discord VCs hosted a mix of the practical and the existential. Some channels functioned like dispatch rooms: who is carrying water and where; which streets had heavy police presence; which hospitals were overwhelmed. Others were deliberative spaces where young leaders and influencers argued about the movement’s goals, whether to demand restoration of social platforms, pursue anti-corruption prosecutions, or push for an interim, technocratic government. Still other rooms were dedicated to outreach: contacting sympathetic journalists, coordinating with diaspora groups for international pressure, and drafting open letters. Several news outlets reported that these cross-cutting conversations helped the movement move from scattered protests to a cohesive national choreography.

Timeline: the first two days

First day of the protest

In the early hours of September 8, thousands of young protesters, many donning school and college uniforms, took to the streets of Kathmandu and other major cities. Started from the New Baneshwar carrying playards with slogans such as "Unban Social Media," "Youth Against Corruption," and "Shut Down Corruption, Not Social Media." The protests quickly escalated into violent confrontations. Security forces, including the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, responded with water cannons, rubber bullets, and baton charges to disperse the crowds. Total 19 people were killed out of which 17 Peoples were died in different hospitals at Kathmandu while 2 dies (one on the spot and another due to critical surgery) in the Sunsari District. Altogether 347 People were severely injured. The government get the several blacklash from International community especially by UNHCR. The Hom Minister of Nepal Mr. Ramesh Lekhak give the resignation as being unable to control the protest and the government lifted the social media banned. The government announce curfew in the major parts of Nepal.

Second day of the Protest

On September 9, 2025 the second day of the Youth-led protest in Nepal, the situation escalated dramatically, leading to significant political and social upheaval.

Oli, was sworn in for his fourth term in July last year as Nepal's 14^th prime Minister since 2008. Earlier in the day, Oli has summoned all parties, saying violence was not in the interest of the nation and calling for peaceful dialogue. He did not respond directly to the complaints of corruption. But the protesters continued gathering at parliament and elsewhere in the capital, defying an indefinite curfew.

Protesters began targeting prominent government buildings, Even the court and the police station were not left. These buildings were set on fire the sculptures and the monument symbolizing the political figures started to destroyed. The Political leader's houses were burned following the residence of PM KP sharmaOli and President Ram Chandra Poudel.

In Koshi Province the provincial Assembly, Chief Minister office, Internal Revenue office, court CPN-UML party office, MechiCoustom office all turned into ashes. In janakpur, Residence of political Leaders, including UML leader RaghubirMahaseth and Nepali congress leader BimalendraNidhi, were also set on fire. Meanwhile, Madhesh Chief Minister resigned stating People are angry and hurt and no-one is above people.

In Baghmati Province, Protesters targeted provincial ministers, Hetauda Sub- Metropolitan Office, High court and Employees' Provident fund office all were destroyed into ashes.

In kaski, District court, High court and several municipal offices were in flames. Houses of the ministers and various hotels were targeted.

Under Mounting pressure, PM KP Sharma Oli resigned from his position.  " In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution," Oli said in his resignation letter to president RamchandraPoudel.

Despite the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, protests continued across Nepal, leading to widespread unrest. In response to the escalating violence, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel addressed the nation, emphasizing the army's commitment to protecting citizens and public property. He appealed to protesters to cease their demonstrations and engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The army took control of security operations, issuing curfews and deploying forces to maintain order. General Sigdel expressed regret over the damage caused to public and private property during the protests and urged citizens to cooperate with security forces to restore peace.

Aftermath

Many youth in Kathmandu took to the streets not to protest, but to clean up the damage left by the previous two days of violent demonstrations. Meanwhile, soldiers continued patrolling the streets under an indefinite curfew, restricting travel and public movement across the capital. Calls for political resolution grew louder as legal experts and former judges urged the dissolution of parliament and the announcement of fresh elections. Dialogue between government representatives and protest leaders began to take shape, signaling a possible breakthrough. Within the Gen-Z movement, discussions emerged about forming an interim government to lead the nation through the crisis. Several names were suggested in discord for the prime ministerial position, including former Chief Justice SushilaKarki, activist SagarDhakal, Dharan Mayor HarkaSampang, popular social media personality Random Nepali, and social entrepreneur Mahabir Pun. Many experts, including members of the Nepal Bar Association, have emphasized the protection of the Constitution of Nepal. They urge that the current situation be handled within constitutional limits and stress the importance of maintaining the rule of law in the country. Finally, on September 12, SushilaKarki formally became the PM of Nepal. She becames not only the PM of Nation but also the first female PM in the history to head the Himalayan nation's government. President Ram Chandra Poudel also dissolved Parliament. and set March 5 as the date for election based on the recommendation of the New Prime Minister. The dissolution was based on Article 61(4) of the Constitution of Nepal.The viewpoint of many experts is divided on this regard. Some experts say it is a wrongful interpretation of the constitution, while others voted in its favor, stating it is the necessary step taken in this turmoil. The Nepal Bar Association expressed serious concern regarding the dissolution, stating that it was a wrong interpretation of the Constitution.Similarly, many constitutional experts, including BipinAdhikari, supported this dissolution, stating that in this contemporary issue, the decision to dissolve the House of Representatives was necessary. Karki was known for her stand against corruption in the government while serving as chief justice. During her tenure as the chief Justice as she overturns the decision of the government in the appointment of Jaya Bahadur Chand as the Chief of the Nepal police, stating the exisiting government violates the established procedure and the seniority norms. She is also popular for reopening of the case of the appointment of Lokman Singh Karki as the chief of the CIAA. Later, he was disqualified by a full bench of the SC on January 8, 2024. During her time as, she oversaw several landmark cases, including the conviction of a sitting Information and Communication Minister, Jaya Prakash Gupta, for corruption. The impeachment motion was too file against her at April 30, 2017 which was signed by the 249 lawmakers from the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). Public Protest on this issues lead the supreme court halting proceeding and later it was  withdrawal by the political parties. On 15^th September 2025, SushilaKarki announced the cabinet of Nepal, shortly after taking office as Prime Minister using Article 80 of the constitution of Nepal. She added Rameshwar Prasad Khanal as the finance Minister, KulmanGhising as Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Urban Development, and Om Prakash Aryalas Minister for Home Affairs; Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.  Till now, the report shows at least 72 People were killed in two days of anti-corruption protest, additional 191 People are currently receiving medical treatment in the Various Hospitals and medical facilities across the country. Losses of Hotel industry alone were estimated at 25 billion Nepali rupees ($266 million), with more than 2,000 worker affected. Damage to the Hilton alone was put as high as $83 million.

Challenges

The major challenges we face may stem from immaturity, an inner conflict, or a lack of self-awareness regarding the true motives behind our revolt. As Jacques Mallet du Pan aptly stated, 'Like Saturn, the revolution devours its children. We must remain vigilant and strategic, ensuring that the core principles of our revolution are not compromised. We cannot permit the establishment of authoritarian regimes or governments that perpetuate corruption in Nepal. We must stay resolute and prepared to confront forthcoming challenges, always remembering the lessons from France's histor.

Moreover, we are constantly facing a large amount of propaganda and dirty politics from the old parties. What we need is reform, and we must not allow ourselves to be influenced by those political stunts and agendas. If this system continues without reforms, corruption and inequality will persist as before this are all the behavioural challenges we felt. The legal and constitutional challenges before us are immense. They include deciding the type of government and system of ruling, and determining in what format the coming election should be conducted. Should we continue to allow the old parties to participate as before, despite their failures? Should the provincial structures, established earlier, be retained or completely dismantled? These are not minor issues—these are the fundamental questions that we, as a nation, must ask ourselves. How should these amendments take place? Do we first need to establish an interim constitution to guide us through this process, or should we protect and preserve the current constitution while introducing reforms within it? These are not just theoretical debates; they are the real and pressing challenges Nepal is facing today. If we fail to address them with courage and vision, our dream of a just, equal, and corruption-free nation will remain out of reach

How Nepal should stood forward

To preserve the spirit of the protest while safeguarding the rule of law, the following priorities are essential. a. Independent criminal investigation into protest deaths and injuries: An impartial, independent commission (with judicial oversight) shall needed to Set up in order to investigate killings and injuries during the Gen-Z protests.If the commission finds criminal wrongdoing, those responsible must be prosecuted under Nepalese criminal law - not only punished by administrative or disciplinary steps.

b. Hold individuals who committed arson, looting, or serious violence accountable: Those who carried out arson, looting, or other violent crimes are limited in number they shall needed to be prosecute.Distinction between peaceful protesters and criminal actors who infiltrate movements to create chaos shall need to be made.

c.End impunity: No one should expect amnesty or protection because of influence or status. The government must guarantee that serious crimes will not be covered by political deals or amnesties.

d.Tackle governance failures and control corruption: Gen Z’s demands are twofold: (a) good governance and (b) strict anti-corruption measures. New government institutions shall need to investigate the reason of their failure(poor planning, lack of accountability, secrecy) and fix those failures. Additionally, measures like transparency in public decisions, limits on undisclosed cash holdings, stronger asset disclosure rules, and ending unjustified immunities that shield decision-makers from accountability shall needed to be introduce

e. Reform political parties to remove “one-person” domination: Amendment in the Political Parties Act shall needed to be madSothat parties have internal democracy and term limits for leaders. For this, measures like a “one person, one position” rule shall need to be introduced where party leaders should not simultaneously hold Both a party leader position as well as ministerial portfolios.Limitation on how many terms a person can be party leader shall be made (for example, max two terms) so parties renew leadership and avoid permanent dictatorships.

f.Independent and Impartial election in Professional and Student Associations: Regarding elections for different associations, such as the Nepal Bar Association and student unions, an independent election committee must be established to ensure that the process is free from political ideology or executive influence 

c. Abolish the provincial tiers: The provincial system shall need to be abolished. Instead a formal Intergovernmental liason Mandate including members of National Assembly, local government and civil society shall need to be established that transfer local governments demands to parliament and monitor national program implementation locally.

e. Limit how many times one can serve as Prime Minister: Introduce a rule that no one shall serve as Prime Minister more than twice. This reduces concentration of power and encourages rotation of leadership.

d.Stabilize government by reforming Vote-of-Confidence rules: Prevent constant collapses of government by introducing sensible rules for votes of confidence. For example: after a failed vote of confidence, the same person should not immediately seek another vote. For this, measures such as 1.5-year cooling-off period before the same candidate can request confidence again shall need to be established.  (This avoids repeated political manoeuvres and encourages stable governance.)

e.Maintain strict separation of powers between legislature and executive: The legislature’s primary role shall be law-making only. Members of the legislature who wish to assume an executive office (ministerial post or other executive role) must first resign their legislative seat and then accept the executive office. The exception can be made for the post of Prime Minister and continued to be chosen from the elected legislature (as is customary), but other executive posts must be filled only by those who are no longer sitting legislators.Or we can even go thorough directly elected Prime Minister system but in such he/she should only be removed by the impeachment motionBasically, this separation prevents concentration of power, reduces conflicts of interest, and strengthens checks and balances.

Minimum qualifications for ministers: A minister must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, have a minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience, and be of high moral character.

Proportional representation (PR) reform for inclusiveness: The proportional Seat which is allocated currently is of 110 for better inclusiveness shall needed to be reduced to 55-60. PR representatives should serve only one term and not be eligible for re-appointment to the PR list in the next term. This encourages rotation and broader inclusion

Higher qualifications for National Assembly members: NA is the assembly seats dedicated to experts. So, members elected to the National Assembly must hold at least a Master’s degree and have a minimum of 10 years’ relevant professional experience.

Review constitutionally established commissions for usefulness: Constitutional and governmental Commissions (e.g., Tharu Commission and others) established shall be reviewed on the basis of clear usefulness and necessity. Those found redundant or ineffective should be restructured or merged.

Rethinking Nepal's Elections; Lesson from the Gen Z movement

In this context, Nepal’s immediate challenge is not merely to hold elections, but to ensure that elections are conducted under a framework that addresses the legitimate demands for equality, transparency, and effective governance highlighted by the Gen Z movement. The announcement of new elections under the existing constitutional framework raises serious concerns. The same constitution that sparked the Gen Z protests remains unchanged, and the demonstrations revealed deep structural flaws, corruption, and inequality that have not been addressed. Holding elections hastily risks repeating these problems and will likely undermine public trust in the democratic process. Questions remain unanswered: will the provincial assemblies be affected, and what concrete changes will distinguish these elections from previous ones? A more prudent approach is to elect a Constitutional Assembly first, charged with selecting experts and representatives to carry out comprehensive constitutional reform. Once these reforms are institutionalized, the procedural and structural aspects of subsequent elections parliamentary, provincial, and local can be determined and conducted in a transparent and legitimate manner. This stepwise, reform-oriented approach prioritizes long-term stability, accountability, and justice, rather than short-term expediency.

Conclusion

The Gen Z movement in Nepal exposed deep-rooted structural flaws, corruption, and inequality that have long undermined the country’s democratic institutions. While the immediate upheaval led to political resignations and the appointment of a new government, the real challenge lies in addressing the systemic issues that triggered the protests. Hastily conducting elections under the existing constitutional framework risks repeating past failures and failing the aspirations of the younger generation. A measured, reform-oriented approach—beginning with the formation of a Constitutional Assembly to guide comprehensive reforms—is essential to ensure that future elections are fair, inclusive, and reflective of the nation’s collective interest. Only through such deliberate action can Nepal achieve long-term stability, good governance, and a truly accountable political system that honors the sacrifices of those who protested for justice and equality.