The seven-point deal between Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has sparked mixed reactions. Gen Z, the generation that rose from public frustration with traditional political powers and calls for systemic reform, has expressed both hope and caution.

Wounded Gen Z activists said the partnership could create a genuine alternative political force. They described the collaboration between Lamichhane and Shah as a potential “alternative power”. Yet, Gen Z protest leaders cautioned that the deal lacks a clear, agenda-driven foundation, is dominated by post-sharing arrangements, and could replicate patterns from past political conflicts.

Prakash Bohara, shot in the leg during September’s protests in New Baneshwar and whose blood-stained shoe became a symbol of the uprising, welcomed the deal. “This is what we have been waiting for. Both are figures we trust. Seeing them together gives me hope,” he said.

Bohara, who is receiving treatment at the National Trauma Centre, said political and institutional reforms have yet to materialise more than three months after the movement. He warned that old parties could regain influence and criticised public disclosure of the power-sharing agreement between the two.“The matter should have been resolved internally rather than being made public,” he said, suggesting that Energy Minister Kulman Ghising also be included in the process.

Another wounded activist, Shantanu Dhakal, said the deal gave him hope. “Balendra was always a figure we supported. Now we can hope in both Rabi and Balendra,” he said.

Gen Z activist Liza Adhikari also expressed optimism. “I am very happy. I am confident that new faces will emerge alongside them,” she said.

Some movement leaders, however, expressed scepticism. Bikash Rasaili said there is little ideological difference between old and new parties, describing the deal as a continuation of power-sharing. “The agreement is centred on power-sharing, similar to past deals between KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal,” he said. “Being new does not automatically mean change. Actions must prove it,” he added.

Arnav Chaudhary welcomed the deal, saying the new generation could push reforms faster than the old leadership. He, however, stressed that constitutional issues such as federalism and inclusion must remain a priority, and urged Gen Z to actively intervene in other parties to challenge entrenched leadership.

Amit Khanal of the Gen Z Movement Alliance criticised the partnership’s neoliberal and capitalist approach, warning it could further marginalise disadvantaged groups. He added that many new leaders, despite campaigning to oust corrupt figures, appear to be following similar patterns in practice.

Majid Ansari described the deal as “positive but challenging,” emphasising that collaboration should focus on issues and agendas rather than personalities, to avoid repeating past conflicts like those between Dahal and Oli.

Leaders said that while the agreement offers a glimmer of hope, questions remain over how it will advance constitutional, social, and inclusive reforms. They stressed that Gen Z’s struggle is not just about leadership change but systemic transformation, and that trust must be earned through action, not rhetoric.