Nepal’s Gen Z Fuels Protests, Toppling Government Amidst Corruption and Poverty
The enormous protests that led to the resignation of the Nepal government on Tuesday, marked by the burning of government buildings, newspaper offices, and politicians’ properties, were spearheaded by the younger generation of Nepalese, many belonging to the so-called Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012).These demonstrations and the resulting anger were sparked by immediate events – the shutdown of social networks and the violent suppression of initial protests, resulting in at least 30 deaths in clashes with police.Tho, they were also fueled by years of discontent stemming from widespread nepotism within the Nepalese political class and the country’s high levels of poverty and unemployment.
In the weeks leading up to the protests, social media in Nepal was ablaze with posts showcasing the lavish lifestyles of the children of politicians, judges, and high-ranking officials – expensive possessions, luxurious vacations, and a standard of living unattainable for the vast majority of Nepalese citizens.
A quarter of Nepal’s population lives below the poverty threshold. The unemployment rate stands at 12.6 percent, climbing to over 20 percent among younger generations. Many are compelled to seek work abroad, often for extended periods in countries like those in the Persian Gulf or Malaysia. In the 2024 fiscal year, over 740,000 people (out of a population of approximately 30 million) left Nepal for employment, primarily in agriculture and construction. Remittances from abroad totaled $11 billion in 2024 – a quarter of the nation’s economy. A significant portion of young Nepalese are educated with funds earned by parents working abroad, only to find themselves facing emigration upon completing their studies.[Image of protestors on the roof of Singha durbar, home to various government bodies (AP photo/Niranjan Shrestha)]
since Nepal transitioned to a parliamentary republic in 2008, following the abolition of the monarchy, successive governments have achieved only limited improvements. Instead, a network of corruption has flourished, involving politicians, entrepreneurs, and officials.According to Transparency International,Nepal is the moast corrupt state in Asia and ranks poorly globally.
Since 2008, Nepal has seen over ten governments, primarily led by the Communist Party or the Congress Party. Khadga Prasad Sharma oli (who resigned on Tuesday),Pushpa Kamal Dahal,and Sher Bahadur Deuba have rotated as prime ministers,amidst almost annual government crises and continuous corruption scandals.Recent cases include $71 million in bribes related to the construction of an international airport and the misappropriation of funds intended for Nepalese refugees expelled from Bhutan and the United States. Politicians and industrialists have amassed considerable fortunes, openly displayed by their children.
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