By Thaneshwar Kandel
Nepal is a country rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, with a resilient population. Nevertheless, the political journey of the past three decades was marked by instability, corruption, and missed opportunities, rather than genuine progress. The recent Gen Z protests have once again highlighted these realities. This movement reflects the broader frustrations and aspirations of Nepali society, not just its youth.
Before 1970, Nepal was largely disconnected from the outside world. Access to education, healthcare, and electricity was scarce. The economy was primarily based on agriculture, and due to the limited opportunities at home, many Nepalis migrated abroad to work as labourers and soldiers. Joining the Indian Army or serving in the British or Singaporean armies was one of the few viable options to escape poverty.
Monumental Political Shifts
The restoration of democracy in 1990 brought new hopes for justice and prosperity. However, those hopes quickly faded. Political parties made unrealistic promises, and instead of building democratic culture and institutions, leaders turned their focus to power struggles. Corruption and nepotism became pervasive, while development remained dependent on foreign aid and loans rather than on building opportunities within the country.
The Maoist insurgency that began in 1996 deepened Nepal’s crisis. It lasted for a decade, claimed nearly 17,000 lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed infrastructure worth billions. Following King Gyanendra’s 2005 royal coup, seven political parties, the Maoists, and civil society groups joined forces in protest. This movement forced the king to step down, ended the monarchy, and brought the Maoists into mainstream politics. Nepal was later declared a republic, and a new constitution was promulgated in 2015. Yet despite these monumental political shifts, the fundamental problems of weak governance, corruption, and political infighting remained.
In recent decades, the expansion of roads, electricity, mobile phones, and internet access has connected Nepal to the outside world in ways previously unimaginable. These developments have opened horizons and raised expectations. Citizens can now compare Nepal’s progress with that of other countries in real time. This has particularly influenced the younger generation, which is more informed, more aware, and less willing to accept failed leadership. Their protests are not only about social media restrictions. They are the cumulative response to years of betrayal, underdelivery, and misuse of power.
The sacrifices of the martyrs of the Gen Z movement underline a hard truth: accountability is essential. The protests have alarmed political leaders and bureaucrats, forcing them to recognise demands that can no longer be ignored. The interim government has a historic responsibility not to dismiss these calls but to lay down the foundation for governance, accountability, and opportunity.
The interim government’s decision to form a judicial commission to probe the excessive use of force during the protests is a welcome step. The commission, headed by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, must work independently and transparently to uncover the truth. It should investigate the actions of the then-prime minister, the home minister, and the chief district officer of Kathmandu in connection with the shootings that killed seventy-three young protesters and wounded hundreds more. This was not a war or an armed revolt. It was a peaceful demonstration in support of good governance, the rule of law, and opportunities inside Nepal. The work of the commission will be a test of Nepal’s commitment to justice. Those found responsible for such inhuman acts must face severe punishment to ensure that peaceful citizens are never again treated as enemies of the state.
Repeated Political Experiments
Nepal’s stagnation has clear causes. Governance is weak and inconsistent. The rule of law is fragile. Corruption and nepotism are deeply entrenched. However, beyond these political issues, one of Nepal’s most significant challenges is poor management, mismanagement, and in many areas, a complete lack of management. This failure has slowed development as much as corruption itself and must be adequately addressed if Nepal is to move forward. At the same time, Nepal should not be portrayed as a poor country but as a country full of potential. What we lack is not resources but the ability to manage them wisely.
Leaders frequently raise expectations with promises they cannot deliver, while citizens grow increasingly impatient and disillusioned. Nepal has also suffered from repeated political experiments; however, development and prosperity are long-term processes. We should not compare ourselves indiscriminately with Western countries. We must carefully analyse our problems and seek solutions, rather than getting lost in describing and elaborating on minor issues. Rule of law, good governance, and equal opportunity are non-negotiable foundations for progress.
Democracy has given us the right to demand and to hold leaders accountable, but it also comes with duties. Citizens must respect democratic culture and act responsibly. The recent riots and acts of vandalism were alarming reminders that violence is not part of democracy. Destroying industries, businesses, and private property cannot be justified in a peaceful society. Those who carried out these attacks should be investigated and held liable, and proper compensation must be provided to the affected. Without the growth of industries and commerce, how can Nepal hope to achieve prosperity? Demanding the rule of law also requires us to act lawfully. Unfortunately, neither the government nor civil society has spoken strongly in defence of industry and commerce. As a society, we all desire wealth, but we often view successful people with suspicion or hostility. What message does the vandalism of industries and businesses send to investors at home and abroad? It discourages investment, undermines confidence, and places Nepal’s economic future at risk. Too often, instead of analysing the facts, we follow fake news and exaggerated stories that only serve to create more division and confusion. A culture of analysis, rather than emotional narration of minor issues, must be nurtured if democracy is to mature.
Investment in Skills
What Nepal now needs is a renewed commitment to accountability and institution-building. Corruption must be investigated thoroughly, and any illicit property confiscated. The rule of law must be enforced consistently, without political interference. Transparency and meritocracy should guide public administration rather than an excessive reliance on quota systems that weaken efficiency. Economic opportunities must be expanded through the development of hydropower, agriculture, tourism, and technology. Investment in skills development will help young people find opportunities at home, and professionals must embrace their responsibility in nation-building rather than constantly seeking opportunities abroad.
Democratic culture must also be revived. Nepal already has an independent judiciary, executive, and legislature. Though these bodies have underperformed, the solution lies in enhancing their capacity and accountability, not in weakening them further. Citizens, too, must act rationally and contribute to solutions, following the path of analysis rather than indulging in endless descriptions of minor issues.
Nepal does not lack potential. What it lacks is good governance, accountability, and honesty. The Gen Z protests have made it clear that hollow promises will no longer be tolerated. The country’s future will not be secured by foreign aid or constant political experiments. It will be determined by the honesty of its citizens, the dedication of its professionals, the integrity of its bureaucrats, and the accountability of its leaders. The roadmap is clear: peace, development, and prosperity, built on meritocracy, responsibility, accountability, and integrity.
Thaneshwar Kandel is a Nepali entrepreneur living and working in Amsterdam (The Netherlands). He was the chairman of the NRNA-NCC Netherlands for the last two years and remains deeply involved in the situation in his homeland. This article reflects his view on the recent uprising by Gen Z.