One Year of the Gen Z Movement: Government Changed, Questions Remain

Kathmandu, Nepal: The Gen Z movement that began with protests against the government’s restrictions on social media has completed one year. The protests changed Nepal’s government and political landscape, but many of the issues raised by the protesters remain unresolved.

The protests began on September 8, 2025, after the government restricted access to major social media platforms. Young people took to the streets in Kathmandu and other parts of the country. The protests soon expanded to include complaints about corruption, unemployment, political privilege and the way government offices operate.

The first day of the protests was largely peaceful at the beginning. The situation changed after protesters reached the New Baneshwor area, where security forces opened fire. Human rights organisations have reported that at least 19 people were killed that day.

The following day saw widespread violence. Government offices, political party offices, residences of political leaders, police facilities and private property were attacked and set on fire. The buildings of Singha Durbar, Parliament and the Supreme Court were also damaged.

Human rights organisations have reported that at least 76 people died during the two days of protests and the violence that followed. The victims included protesters and members of the security forces.

The events of the two days have since become the subject of investigations and political debate. Human rights groups have called for an investigation into the use of force by security personnel. At the same time, those involved in arson, vandalism, killings and attacks on public and private property also face calls for investigation and legal action.

Government Change

The immediate political result of the protests was the resignation of then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki later headed the interim government. The interim government dissolved the House of Representatives and prepared for a new election.

The election held on March 5, 2026, brought a major change in the composition of Parliament. The Rastriya Swatantra Party won 182 of the 275 seats.

Balendra Shah became prime minister on March 27.

The Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and other parties that had dominated national politics for many years were pushed into the opposition.

The election result showed the level of dissatisfaction with the established parties. But changing the government did not automatically solve the problems that had brought young people onto the streets.

That is why, one year later, the main question is whether the change in government will also lead to changes in the way the government works.

What the Protesters Wanted

Many young people who joined the movement have said that they were not protesting simply to remove one prime minister or one political party.

They raised questions about corruption, government accountability, public services, employment and political leadership.

They have also continued to demand justice for those killed and injured during the protests.

Activists including Raksha Bam, Monika Niraula, Rijaan Rana Magar and Tanuja Pandey have questioned the performance of the new government. They have also raised concerns about the implementation of the 10-point agreement reached between the interim government and Gen Z representatives.

Some young activists working with the government have taken a different view. Rishi Thapa, who is associated with the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, has said the government is working on issues related to those killed and injured during the movement.

Some matters, he has said, require legal procedures and therefore cannot be settled immediately.

The different positions among Gen Z activists also show that the movement does not have one single voice.

What Happened to the 10-Point Agreement?

The interim government and Gen Z representatives signed a 10-point agreement on December 10, 2025.

The agreement included several demands raised during the movement. These included recognition of those killed during the protests, treatment and compensation for the injured, investigation of assets linked to corruption, electoral reforms, a “none of the above” option in elections, primary elections within political parties and voting rights for Nepalis living abroad.

The agreement also proposed a Gen Z Council. The council was intended to provide suggestions to the government, monitor its work and increase youth participation.

The Cabinet later decided to establish the council.

But the council was not formed.

Activists say the process stopped after the election code of conduct came into effect and that the government did not give the issue enough attention afterward.

Some other provisions of the agreement also require changes to laws or decisions by Parliament. Others require preparations by election authorities.

For that reason, the agreement needs to be assessed point by point. Some commitments may have been implemented, some may be under discussion and others may still be waiting for legal or administrative action.

Justice Remains an Issue

For the families of those killed during the protests, the political changes have not answered the question of justice.

They want to know who was responsible for the deaths and whether those responsible will be punished.

Human rights organisations have called for an independent investigation into the use of force by security personnel. They have also called for the findings of government investigations to be made public.

At the same time, an investigation into the protests cannot ignore the violence that took place after the police shootings.

Buildings were burned, property was destroyed and people were killed during the unrest. Those responsible for such acts should also be identified and dealt with according to law.

The investigation therefore needs to look at both sides of the events — the actions of security personnel and the actions of protesters and others involved in the violence.

Without a clear account of what happened, questions about the protests are likely to remain.

Old Parties Under Pressure

The movement and the subsequent election also exposed the problems facing Nepal’s established political parties.

The Nepali Congress and CPN-UML were among the biggest losers in the election. Their defeat reflected dissatisfaction among many voters, particularly younger voters.

The parties now face questions about their leadership and internal structures.

Political scientist Dr. Suchita Pyakurel has argued that the established parties have not done enough to examine their own weaknesses or make room for younger leaders.

But the election defeat does not mean these parties have disappeared from Nepali politics. They still have large organisations and established support bases.

Their future will depend partly on how they respond to the election result. Leadership changes, internal reform and greater opportunities for younger politicians are likely to be among the issues they will have to consider.

The New Government Faces Its Own Test

The new government came to power with high expectations.

Its supporters have expected changes in areas where previous governments were criticised. These include corruption, public services, government appointments and accountability.

The public will now judge the government through its day-to-day work.

Can people get services from government offices without unnecessary delays?

Are complaints of corruption investigated?

Are government appointments made openly?

Can people without political connections receive services fairly?

Are young people finding jobs and other economic opportunities?

These questions are likely to matter more than the promises made during the election.

The government has been in office for only a few months, so a final assessment would be premature. But its large parliamentary majority gives it considerable room to introduce laws and policies.

That also means it will have fewer excuses if important reforms remain stalled.

One Year Later

The Gen Z movement clearly changed Nepal’s politics.

The Oli government fell. An interim government was formed. Parliament was dissolved. An election was held. A new political party won a large majority and Balendra Shah became prime minister.

But those changes do not answer all the questions raised by the protesters.

Corruption, public services, political accountability, employment, electoral reform and youth participation remain issues for the government.

The question of justice for those killed and injured during the protests is also unresolved. The violence and destruction that took place during the unrest need to be investigated as well.

The movement also raised a question for the established political parties: why did so many young voters lose confidence in them?

A year later, the political situation is different, but many of the complaints that brought young people onto the streets have not disappeared.

The government has changed. The real test now is whether the way government works will change with it.