The year, 2025 remained a period of unprecedented change in Nepali politics, which will be remembered as a historically landmark year in future as well. A one-day Gen Z uprising that shocked the entire world not only toppled the two-thirds majority government but caused the dissolution of the House of Representatives before, the lower house of the federal parliament, with two full years remained to complete its term. During the movement, more than two dozen youths, mostly young students, lost their lives, who were later honored by the government as Gen Z martyrs. The loss of lives of young students on September 8 due to government's suppression resulted into boiling anger of nationwide protest and destruction. The devastation resulted in nearly NPR 100 billion worth physical property and additional deaths of 50 people. The country evidently plunged into a state of uncertainty, fear and utter chaos. Political instability, social insecurity and severe economic losses adversely gripped public lives.
On the other hand, people felt a sense of relief as the autocratic government that had continuously restricted freedom of expression and the senior leaders who had fueled decade-long incumbency in national politics, disappeared from the scene. In the second week of September, the public enthusiasm grew with the hope for good governance and emergence of a capable young generation leadership. The message of welcoming a new era in the nation through parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026 revived everyone’s spirit. This brought a hope to end long despair.
However, as December approached, contrary to the peoples' expectations, the same old leaders again started to appear at the center of national political affairs. Further, public disappointment has resurfaced as the interim government also not been able to perform effectively in delivering democratic values. But there is still a faith among public because overall processes for holding the parliamentary election is moving forward in a full swing. We, Nepali people are waiting for the House of Representatives election with an expectation that it will bring a new leadership as per the spirit of the youth movement, thereby paving way to bring the much-needed reforms to the governance- a corruption-free system where democratic values are nurtured well.
This past year, 2025 was eventful not only for Nepal but also across the world with unexpected events and incidents, causing global ripples and shocks. The policies and actions of US President Donald Trump have been interpreted as the reason to create instability and uncertainty in the global order- fear has swayed whether the values and principles of democracy, human rights, global solidarity and initiatives for shared development would remain intact.
Similarly, 2025 was equally alarming in terms of journalists' safety. More than 100 journalists were killed while performing their duty in the Gaza alone. The journalists were killed and independent press faced persecution due to international conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine war, the extremist Taliban ruling in Afghanistan and military coup in Myanmar. These incidents also induced self-censorship among journalists and media.
Irrespective of serving as the easy and accessible medium for global connection and communication, the digital platforms were not safe. Surveillance, censorship and internet shutdowns increased alarmingly in the digital spaces. Because of this, the communication sector- believed to be a foundation for human rights- faced increased insecurity and shrinking space for civic freedoms. This trend was observed significantly in Nepal as well. Two working journalists were killed and digital platforms faced extreme repression by the rulers. The suppression of digital medium ultimately became one of the factors to trigger Gen Z revolt.
Nepal also has experienced serious and harsh impacts of Trump government's policies. Specifically, civic movements and voices in Nepal have weakened. The weakening of civic institutions and crisis have further undermined the development and upholding of civil rights and democracy.
However, we feel proud as we look back again at Nepal’s September 8-9 youth uprising. Nepalese youths demonstrated their power to uproot the authoritarian government that attempted to control their right to express on social media platforms in a single strike through the revolt. The world was shocked. Despite varying analysis of the uprising, the Gen Z movement set an example for global democratic movements, to which, Nepal is in a state to mark as a departure for better governance and democracy.
Hail freedom of expression and youth movement!
Happy New Year 2026!
