Nepal’s Political Turmoil: Gen Z Protests Spark Chaos, But Interim Government Faces Big Hurdles
Nepal is in the grip of a major political crisis after massive protests led by Gen Z youth toppled the Prime Minister and several ministers accused of massive corruption. The country expected an interim government to step in quickly, but things aren’t that simple. A key constitutional rule blocks outsiders from becoming interim PM—only sitting Members of Parliament can take the job. This snag has experts scrambling to find a way forward while fears grow of an army-backed caretaker regime taking over.
The Nepal Army stands firmly with the young protesters who drove the uprising. It has vowed that Gen Z voices must shape any new government. But unity among the protesters is cracking as they hunt for a leader to handle talks. One group pushes for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, while another supports Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah. These divisions are stalling negotiations, heightening worries about a prolonged political vacuum that Nepal simply can’t afford right now.
If an interim government forms, old players like the Communist UML and Nepali Congress might demand seats at the table. Yet Gen Z leaders would likely push back hard, dragging out the process even more. The army, like many Nepalis, craves real change and insists the protesters get the biggest role in the future setup.
Talk of bringing back the monarchy has surfaced among some supporters, but experts say it’s a long shot. Restoring it would need tough constitutional amendments, which seem impossible in this mess. Intelligence reports note that protests so far stick to urban hubs like Kathmandu, Biratnagar, and Pokhara. But if they spread to rural areas, controlling the situation could turn chaotic. Nepal’s shaky economy is already hurting—prolonged shutdowns of shops and businesses would hit ordinary people hardest.
Compare this to Bangladesh, where a caretaker government quickly followed Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Nepal’s case feels more tangled. One path could be declaring Emergency Rule under Article 273 if Parliament dissolves. The President might also pick a neutral interim leader using Articles 76 and 77, but only if no party musters a majority.
The army backs Gen Z but rules out a military coup. It wants a fast fix to restore law and order and even has the muscle to nudge political parties into a deal on an interim chief. Still, rivals could challenge any move in court, adding more drama.
A constitutional amendment to ease these rules? Not happening soon—it needs a two-thirds Parliament majority, which is out of reach now. Emergency declarations carry their own risks and could worsen the unrest.
Right now, the best bet is picking a consensus candidate for interim PM, with all sides agreeing. As Nepal navigates this Gen Z-led revolution and political crisis, the world watches to see if leaders can unite before the chaos deepens.
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