Dear Prime Minister Oli,

It is always a bit tricky when a foreigner publicly gives his opinion about the country in which he is spending some time as a guest. A guest should never criticise his host in front of others. However, I consider it important and appropriate to give constructive criticism that may lead to improvement. So, in this case I feel obligated and even constrained to write a letter to you for various reasons.

On the one hand, as a journalist it is my duty to denounce shortcomings and to have a close look at the political elite in particular. On the other hand, I have spent almost three months in your fascinating country; I had the chance to get to know and to love Nepal and its people. That is why I have some wishes which shall hopefully come true one day. In addition, I do not believe in coincidences in life, but in fate. The small detail that I have the same name as you, the new prime minister of my host country, is certainly no coincidence.

I know that poverty and other major difficulties in this country have not only existed in the recent years.

But I do not know why the political elites are still unwilling to change that.

I understand that the political power structure is historically fragile in Nepal.

But I do not understand why the political groups still pay attention primarily to their own benefit.

I appreciate that Nepal calls itself a multi-ethnic state.

But I do not appreciate that minorities are still not treated as equal citizens.

I respect that you are open to discussions with the Madhesis.

But you also have to walk the talk.

I welcome the fact that the new constitution seeks more federalism.

But I do not welcome the fact that the new constitution treats the minorities in the south of the country worse than others.

I can understand that you are not satisfied with the role of India in the Tarai region.

But I cannot understand why you point to India as the only guilty party in this matter.

I agree that dealing with potentially violent citizens is not easy.

But you should never respond to violence with counter-violence.

I understand that you consider the border blockade as the origin of all economic and social evil.

But I do not understand why you neglect domestic measures to stimulate the economy and to enhance  societal cohesion.

It is incomprehensible why the international community is not interested in Nepal’s current situation.

Please ensure that the Nepali concerns get international attention.

I realise that you are looking for approximation to China due to the current situation.

But I do not understand why you stir hopes too high.

Playing the ‘China card’ has rarely turned out to be ‘Nepal’s trump’.

I have heard that you are no longer classified as a leftist revolutionary by many, but rather as a conservative.

Prove that you are not an illiberal hardliner.

I appreciate your compassion for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the earthquakes last spring.

But why are still a great many of them waiting for help?

I am content that the international aid was so generous.

But I am not pleased at all that funds and other aid have still not reached the people in need.

I love the nature of your country.

But I disapprove of how you deal with the environment.

I know that the tasks ahead of you are not easy. With your prime ministership, you have taken a difficult role. I wish you much strength, resilience and success.

Primarily, I ask you to listen to the people; for Nepal is a wonderful and lovable country. And so the country has a good future.

Sincerely yours, 

Oli 

Oli Dischoe is a Swiss journalist. He was interning at the Post