Nepal‘s Youth-Led Protests Signal a Shift in Political Landscape
Kathmandu, Nepal – September 9, 2025 – A wave of demonstrations led by Nepal’s Gen Z is reshaping the nation’s political discourse following the resignation of Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli. While lacking a single, identifiable leader, the movement-driven by concerns ranging from political reform to climate justice-is demanding a “citizen government” and new elections, injecting a new dynamic into Nepali politics.
The protests represent a critically important moment for Nepal, a country grappling with political instability and the growing impacts of climate change. This leaderless uprising, fueled by social media and a desire for systemic change, challenges traditional power structures and highlights the increasing influence of youth in shaping the country’s future. The movement’s demands for a citizen-led government and fresh elections come at a critical juncture, possibly altering Nepal’s political trajectory and setting a precedent for youth engagement in the region.
At the forefront of this movement is Tanuja Pandey, 27, a climate justice organizer and founder of Harin Nepal, a youth-led alliance focused on “intersectional environmental justice.” Pandey,who also serves on the EU Youth Sounding Board,has become a prominent voice for the generation demanding change. Following Oli’s resignation,Pandey released a statement on behalf of Gen Z,calling for “patience and discipline” as preparations for a citizen government and new political direction unfold. “Our minimum demand is to form a citizen government under universally acceptable leadership and to move towards new elections,” the statement read.
The movement’s decentralized nature has been a key characteristic, and Pandey was fast to dispel reports of direct negotiations with the army.”We were neither in the conversation yesterday nor today… We will work together with all Gen-Z protesters’ representatives from 77 districts on the same joint document… There is no leader of the Gen Z movement. This is what we all know,” she stated, emphasizing the collective and non-hierarchical structure of the protests.
Pandey’s background in law informs her activism,and harin Nepal’s focus on “intersectional environmental justice” reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues within the country. The EU Youth Sounding board provides a platform for Pandey to advocate for Nepal’s concerns on the international stage, further amplifying the voices of nepali youth. As the country navigates this period of political transition, the demands and actions of this leaderless generation will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping Nepal’s future.
