Editorial 1: Generational rage 

Context

Violent chaos after the government crackdown endangers Nepal’s democracy

Introduction

Nepal now stands at a critical crossroads. The violent protests of September 9, 2025—marked by attacks on institutions and the release of prisoners—reflect deeper frustrations rooted in decades of political instability and failed governance. What began as youthful outrage risks spiraling into destructive nihilism unless addressed with urgent reforms, democratic renewal, and inclusive national dialogue.

The Upheaval in Nepal (September 9, 2025)

• Protesters torched Parliament, Supreme Court, political residences, and media offices.
• Prisoners were released amid the chaos.
• Trigger: The crackdown a day earlier killed 19 young demonstrators.
• Context: Follows Prime Minister K.P. Oli’s resignation.
• Concern: The protests display violent nihilism that endangers Nepal’s fragile democratic gains.

Roots of the “Gen Z Protests”

• Born out of frustration with chronic political dysfunction.
• Jan Andolan II (2005): Overthrew monarchy, promised a “Naya Nepal”.
• Reality since then:
  • 13 heads of government across 30 tenures since the 1990s.
  • Mainstream parties (Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN-Maoist Centre) prioritised alliances over electoral mandates.
  • Leaders like K.P. Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba showed reluctance to support reforms.
  • Pushpa Kamal Dahal focused mainly on retaining power.
• Consequences:
  • Economy overly dependent on remittances.
  • Youth migration and soaring unemployment.
  • Failure to diversify; Nepal remains a UN-designated least developed country.

Rise of New Political Forces

• Disillusioned youth generation is driving alternative politics.
• Emerging actors:
  • Rashtriya Swatantra Party.
  • Independents like Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah.
• Significance: Reflects public hunger for alternatives.
• Concerns:
  • Mr. Shah’s call to dissolve Parliament outright, instead of pushing for elections, raises doubts about democratic maturity.
  • Danger of repeating Bangladesh’s democratic backsliding.

The Way Forward

• Warning: Destroying state and civil institutions is not democratic renewal.
• Immediate needs:
  • Stabilisation and peace.
  • Nepali Army to provide security space for civilian democratic actors.
• Long-term needs:
  • Constitutional reforms to fulfil promises made before the Constituent Assembly.
  • Consider a presidential system with direct elections, accountable to an elected Parliament.
• Risk: Without reforms and peace, violent nihilism could erode the very foundations of democracy in Nepal.

Conclusion

Nepal’s democracy cannot survive on empty rhetoric or unstable alliances. The path forward lies in restoring peace, safeguarding institutions, and pursuing meaningful constitutional reforms that empower citizens. A presidential system with accountability, coupled with immediate stability, may prevent further backsliding. Without decisive action, Nepal risks losing its fragile democratic foundations and the long-promised vision of a true “Naya Nepal.”