In Focus by The Hindu Nepal on the Brink - Part 2: Beyond the Gen Z's rage
Sep 11, 2025
In this discussion, Srinivasan Ramani, Deputy National Editor at The Hindu, dives into Nepal's political chaos. He explores the Gen Z uprising, ignited by frustration with corruption and media restrictions, and how it has escalated into violence. Ramani analyzes the fragmented political alliances that dominate Nepal's instability, and he emphasizes the urgent need for reform to restore faith in democracy. The implications of economic struggles and historical tensions on today's youth protests shed light on the challenges facing the nation.
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Chronic Coalition Instability
- Nepal has had 30 government tenures since 1990, averaging ~14 months per tenure due to fragmented mandates and malleable coalitions.
- Parties prioritize patronage and power over principled coalitions, driving repeated instability.
Power Over Policy
- Major parties repeatedly form unprincipled alliances to gain power, not to pursue coherent governance.
- This patronage-driven politics makes being in government more valuable than offering policy differences.
Gen Z Rage Is Anti‑Elite
- Gen Z framing simplifies the protest but reflects a broader anti-elite anger against entrenched political families.
- The movement targets the whole political class, not just single parties or leaders.