Gen Z Surge Reshapes Nepal Politics as RSP Gains Ground
Gen Z Surge Reshapes Nepal Politics as RSP Gains Ground
Nepal's Gen Z-driven mobilization reshapes politics after recent elections, with the rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party challenging traditional parties and federalism debates.
Nepal's politics are undergoing a metamorphosis after March elections, driven by a generation that communicates through rap songs and social media, moving away from vertically structured party hierarchies toward horizontal networks. The rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), formed in June 2022, signals a shift toward a more personalized and aspirational approach to politics, with the party having joined coalitions in 2022 and 2024 and several of its members taking cabinet posts. Observers say the RSP’s trajectory demonstrates that new forces can influence governance even as their long-term impact remains to be seen.
A high-profile Gen Z protest in Kathmandu in September 2025 drew attention for its scale and disruption, including incidents that involved assaults on senior party leaders and damage to Parliament, the Judiciary, provincial assembly buildings, and police stations. While some dismissed it as a passing moment, others viewed it as a wake-up call about the disconnect between traditional parties and the electorate they claim to represent. The event highlighted how modern mobilization can both challenge established norms and test democratic resilience.
Election results indicated that the old guard had lost touch with its base, fueling discussions about starting afresh. Nepal’s federal structure—established in 2015 with seven provinces—remains contested, as provinces seek greater fiscal autonomy and push back against central dominance. The rise of the RSP has made clear that the masses are seeking new ways to organize and mobilize, potentially reshaping how governance is delivered in the months ahead.
Experts ask whether Nepal is witnessing a new democratic aptitude—an era where youth-led activism translates into durable policy change—or whether momentum will wane as parties reorganize. The chapter examines these questions and considers what the Gen Z wave might mean for Nepal's political future.
