US EditionCommentary: How Gen Z protests toppled Nepal’s government in 48 hours
The protests, sparked by a social media ban, led to over 70 deaths and the swift resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, paving the way for Nepal's first female PM.
- On September 12, 2025, Nepal appointed Sushila Karki, the country’s first female leader, as interim prime minister in the aftermath of deadly youth-led protests in Kathmandu.
- The protests erupted due to deep frustration with corruption, nepotism, and political stagnation, led mainly by unaffiliated Gen Z youths demanding change.
- Karki, a 73-year-old former chief justice known for challenging entrenched powers, was chosen by protesters as a trusted, impartial figure to lead a transitional government.
- She pledged to work according to Gen Z values, promising, "We will not stay here more than six months," and named ministers to prepare for snap elections in March 2026.
- Karki's government faces the challenge of restoring public trust, investigating recent violence, and setting foundations for free, fair elections and improved governance.
15 Articles
15 Articles
While calls for a social media ban for young people are growing louder in Germany, Nepal has gone through with this. Gen Z did not let this happen and overthrew the government. The new Prime Minister came into office on an unusual way.
A spontaneous protest, a burning parliament and a digital vote: in Nepal, the youth not only brought the Prime Minister to resign, but also decided online about his successor.
Generation Z, with its protests in Nepal, has brought down a government within less than 48 hours. The new head of government, Sushila Karki, has received approval, but it must provide prospects.
Why Nepal’s elderly watched from the sidelines as Gen Z took on political class, toppled Oli govt
Nepal's protests and subsequent overthrow of govt was mostly Gen Z's doing. While older generations were happy to sit it out, they too think it was a movement whose time had come.
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- 63% of the sources lean Left
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