ThePrint CutTheClutter: Nepal PM out, Army in:Lifting layers of Gen Z anger triggered by social media ban & complex politics
Sep 9, 2025
Nepal is grappling with political upheaval and the fallout from a government collapse. Youth frustration is boiling over due to job scarcity and the recent social media ban, sparking widespread protests. The electoral system’s complexity and the push for gender representation add further layers to the situation. With fragile alliances among political parties, the youth are increasingly disillusioned. Comparisons to unrest in neighboring countries highlight the urgency of addressing deep-rooted corruption and instability.
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Social Media Ban Sparked Youth Outrage
- A social media ban became the immediate spark for mass youth protests in Nepal.
- The ban hit families of 8% overseas workers who rely on apps like WhatsApp for contact and remittances.
Remittances Are Nepal's Economic Backbone
- Remittances form one third of Nepal's GDP and underpin many households.
- Disrupting communication with overseas workers therefore had outsized economic and social consequences.
Sparks Need Built-Up Grievances
- A single policy decision can ignite protests when grievances have already accumulated.
- Social media bans act as sparks only because underlying issues like corruption and unemployment have piled up.