Nepal’s Youth at the Center of Political Upheaval

Nepal’s political crisis has taken a new turn, with the country’s younger generation emerging as a driving force behind protests that led to the prime minister’s ouster and plunged the nation into uncertainty.

President Ramchandra Paudel, addressing the turmoil on Thursday, acknowledged the scale of the challenge but assured citizens that efforts were underway to find a constitutional solution.

“I am consulting and making every effort to find a way out of the current difficult situation in the country within the constitutional framework,” he said, while urging calm.

The demonstrations, led largely by young Nepalis identifying with the “Gen Z” movement, escalated this week into the deadliest unrest the Himalayan nation has witnessed in decades.

Parliament was set ablaze, clashes erupted with security forces, and at least several people were reported dead.

The army has since imposed a nationwide curfew. Military chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel confirmed that his team held discussions not only with senior political leaders but also with representatives of the youth movement, reflecting the central role young citizens now play in shaping Nepal’s future.

For many of these protesters, the anger runs deeper than a single political figure. Economic hardship, corruption, and frustrations with a political elite seen as disconnected from everyday struggles have galvanized a new generation of activists.

President Paudel, 80, appealed for restraint: “I appeal to all parties to be confident that a solution to the problem is being sought as soon as possible to address the demands of the protesting citizens.”

With Nepal’s constitution requiring the president to invite the leader of the largest parliamentary party to form a new government, the coming days will be decisive.

• But whatever political arrangement emerges, the influence of Nepal’s youth, once considered politically disengaged, can no longer be ignored.