Youth uprising: The “Gen Z” protests in Nepal
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Nepal is facing a dramatic political turning point : In the first days of September 2025, deep-seated frustrations of a young generation erupted in one of the most severe waves of protests in recent decades.
Trigger: Social media ban meets with distrust of the elite
On September 4, 2025, the government under Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms —including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Reddit—that refused to register. The ban was met with criticism as a symbol of state censorship, while growing outrage over corruption and cronyism within the political elite—fueled by viral #NepoKid debates—further inflamed public sentiment.
The so-called #NepoKid debates refer to the growing public criticism of "nepotism children"—that is, the children of powerful politicians, businesspeople, or celebrities who are favored through family connections. In Nepal, this discussion has increasingly targeted young members of the political elite who, despite a lack of qualifications or experience, have gained access to influential positions. For many protesters, the term "Nepo Kid" is symbolic of a corrupt, opaque system that systematically excludes the talents and opportunities of the general population.
Escalation and deadly violence
On September 8, violent clashes erupted in Kathmandu, particularly near the parliament and in the New Baneshwor district. Protesters – primarily young people from so-called "Gen Z" – stormed streets, erected barricades, and threw stones, while security forces responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and ultimately live ammunition.
The toll of the violence is devastating: at least 19 people lost their lives , and hundreds were injured.
Protests continue – despite lockdown and lifting of the ban.
Although the government lifted the social media ban the day after the riots, the protests did not subside. On the contrary, demonstrators continued their anger against the political elite, setting fire to the parliament building and the homes of leading politicians, including the president.
At the same time, a strict curfew was imposed in numerous cities. Nevertheless, the protests continued through cities such as Biratnagar, Pokhara, Butwal, Birgunj, and others.
Resignation: Political consequences
In light of the escalating situation and the population's refusal to calm down, Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9. Several ministers also resigned simultaneously – including the Ministers of the Interior, Agriculture, and Health, as well as members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
International and domestic political reactions
Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned the violent actions of the security forces and called for independent investigations. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also demanded clarification regarding the deaths and injuries.
Domestically, the RPP party and the former Minister of Justice condemned the action as unconstitutional. This reignited the debate about transparency, corruption, and democratic freedoms.
Conclusion: A turning point for Nepal's democracy?
The protests marked a political turning point – a determined outcry from the youth against authoritarian measures, corruption, and abuse of power. Oli's resignation, the lifting of the social media ban, and the media's focus on political accountability demonstrate that more is at stake than just a single piece of legislation – and the coming days and weeks could be crucial for the future of Nepalese democracy.