Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, has warned political leaders and parties against using Nepal’s Gen Z movement for their own political gain.

In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of the Gen Z protests, Lamichhane said the movement had been spontaneous and was not organised by any particular political party.

“This was not a movement called by any particular party. It was a spontaneous awakening,” Lamichhane said in the statement. “No political party or leader should use it for their own political gain.”

He said the movement had also left political leaders with a responsibility to answer the questions raised by young protesters.

“Time has brought us to the place where we must now answer every question the young people asked from the streets yesterday,” he said. “It has also reminded us that tomorrow, someone else will once again stand before us demanding answers.”

Lamichhane said Nepal must now focus on good governance. He said young people had clearly demonstrated an interest in politics and argued that the country must ensure they can build their futures at home rather than being forced to look abroad.

He also warned against allowing frustration and despair to take hold, urging citizens to keep holding those in power accountable.

“I sincerely appeal to all young people, civil society and the wider public to keep up constructive scrutiny and to continue subjecting our performance to rigorous criticism,” he said. “But let us not allow a narrative of despair to take root in society. We must all stand together on this historic journey to transform public anger into a force for nation-building.”

Lamichhane also pledged that he would not deviate “even an inch” from the path of the rule of law, equitable prosperity and national dignity.