Nepal PM KP Oli Resigns as Gen Z Protests Turn Deadly, Streets in Chaos
Nepal is witnessing one of the most dramatic shifts in its political landscape in recent years as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from office following relentless, youth-led protests that have plunged the nation into turmoil. The demonstrations, spearheaded by Gen Z activists demanding better governance, economic opportunities, and civil freedoms, turned violent in recent weeks, leaving several dead and hundreds injured.
Oli’s Exit Under Pressure
KP Sharma Oli, a veteran politician and one of Nepal’s most prominent leaders, submitted his resignation amid mounting unrest across the country. Once seen as a strong figure who could provide stability, Oli’s government faced criticism for failing to address widespread unemployment, rising living costs, and an increasingly disillusioned youth population.
His resignation comes at a time when political fractures were already visible within his own party and in the opposition ranks. Analysts believe that Oli’s inability to contain the protests and his hardline approach toward dissent accelerated his fall from power.
In his resignation speech, Oli urged for calm and unity, calling upon citizens to avoid violence. However, for many young Nepalis, the gesture felt like a delayed response to years of frustration.
Gen Z at the Helm of Protest
The movement that ultimately forced Oli’s resignation is remarkable not only for its intensity but also for its leadership. This uprising has been driven by young Nepalis — largely students, activists, and newly employed or unemployed youth — who have used social media and digital platforms to coordinate protests across cities and towns.
Armed with placards, slogans, and online campaigns, these demonstrators have demanded not just immediate reforms but a complete overhaul of Nepal’s governance model. Their core issues include job scarcity, political corruption, suppression of free expression, and lack of future opportunities.
Many protesters view themselves as the torchbearers of a new Nepal, one that breaks away from decades of political stagnation. Their unrelenting push for change, despite facing state crackdowns, has reshaped the narrative of people’s power in the country.
Streets Erupt in Violence
The demonstrations have come at a heavy cost. Over the past few weeks, major cities including Kathmandu saw escalating violence. Streets turned into battlegrounds with barricades, stone-pelting, and confrontations between protesters and police forces. Security personnel used tear gas and rubber bullets in attempts to control the swelling crowds, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
Public transport was disrupted, businesses shuttered, and hospitals filled with the injured. The atmosphere in the capital grew tense, with many families fearing for their children who had joined the demonstrations. Despite this, the protests only grew stronger, signaling the depth of public discontent.
Read more: Why Nepal Banned Social Media — And Why Protests Run Deeper Than That
Political Vacuum and Uncertainty
With Oli stepping down, Nepal enters a period of political uncertainty. The resignation leaves behind a leadership vacuum, as parties scramble to form a new government. The opposition, though vocal, remains fragmented, while the ruling party struggles to find a consensus candidate to replace Oli.
The uncertainty has raised concerns about stability in a country that has seen frequent changes of leadership since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Many worry that prolonged political maneuvering could further inflame tensions on the streets.
A Historic Turning Point
For Nepal, this moment may prove to be a historic turning point. Gen Z’s mobilization has shown that the younger generation is no longer content with symbolic change. Their demand is clear: a political system that works for the people, especially the youth who make up a large portion of the nation’s population.
The protests have also revealed the growing influence of digital activism in shaping real-world outcomes. In a society where traditional leadership has long been dominated by older political figures, the youth-driven revolution marks the emergence of a new political force.
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The Road Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial for Nepal. The immediate challenge for political leaders will be to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed, while also addressing the grievances of the protesters. Whether new leadership can deliver on promises of reform will determine if the unrest subsides or intensifies into a prolonged movement.
For now, Oli’s resignation stands as a testament to the power of collective youth action. Nepal’s streets may be filled with chaos and grief, but they also echo with the voices of a generation unwilling to be silenced.
