Nepal’s Gen Z Protests: A Call for Democratic Renewal
Nepal’s stability will remain fragile without genuine democratic renewal, despite a change in leadership following backlash over the repression of Gen Z protests.
On September 8, 2025, a massive youth-led uprising demanded accountability from political leaders, an end to elite impunity, and pathways to a more just and equitable future.
The protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations, soon escalated, raising alarm across South Asia and beyond.
On September 12, Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Supreme Court chief justice, was sworn in as interim prime minister, easing immediate tensions.
Peace and democracy remain precarious and must be actively safeguarded.
The next chapter must be one of democratic renewal that restores accountability and peaceful channels for dissent, amidst the threat of democratic backsliding fuelled by entrenched elites and weak institutions.
Author’s summary: Nepal’s Gen Z protests call for democratic renewal to ensure stability.