The Gen Z uprising has jolted Nepal’s political establishment, forcing the creation of an interim government and compelling senior leaders to reassess their grip on power. What began as online discontent over corruption, inequality, and government attempts to restrict social media, soon exploded into mass demonstrations across Kathmandu and other cities.

Young protesters led by Gen Z declared, “We will decide the country’s future,” as they gathered in Maitighar, Ratna Park, and New Baneshwar, mobilising through Discord and other platforms. Unlike previous protests driven by organised political parties, this was a leaderless youth-led movement cutting across social class—from bankers and taxi drivers to students and farmers’ children.

“This movement has established that anyone in office will now think twice before committing wrongdoing,” said Gen Z representative Bikas Yadav.

He added that although the interim government may not eradicate corruption within six months, it could introduce reforms that lay the foundation for change.

However, Yadav expressed frustration that the interim Cabinet failed to include Gen Z representatives, questioning the government’s commitment to inclusivity.

Rakshya Bam, another Gen Z activist, said widening inequality and fake promises by politicians pushed young people onto the streets. “We pay taxes, but we get nothing in return. Leaders’ families live in luxury while citizens suffer,” she said in a recent interview.

Political analysts see the protests as a rupture with Nepal’s traditional party-led uprisings. “This was not guided by ideology but by disgust at corruption and authoritarian tendencies,” said analyst Jhalak Subedi. “Its historical weight will depend on whether the government opens old corruption files and holds leaders accountable.”

Former banker Anil Keshary Shah noted that earlier movements always carried a party flag, but this one was “under Nepal’s flag.” He traced its turning point to September 8, when footage of students shot in school uniforms triggered nationwide outrage.

The uprising has also challenged stereotypes that Gen Z is politically indifferent. “They are literate in politics, but in their own language. They want good governance, not big ideological words,” said youth leader Kiran BK. He described the movement as a “high-voltage shock” to the system.

Political analyst Lokraj Baral emphasised that Gen Z is shaped more by information technology than by political texts. “Their demands are immediate—governance, transparency, jobs. They are democratic, not calling for the army or monarchy like elsewhere in South Asia,” he said.

Still, concerns remain over sporadic violence and lack of structured leadership. As elections approach under the interim government, the biggest test will be whether the street energy can be channelled into the ballot box.

“This is like reaching the base camp of Everest,” said Shah. “The real climb is to turn street voices into political and institutional power.”

Whether Nepal now moves towards stability or faces another cycle of youth revolt depends on how this generation translates its protest into policy.